World Cup 2026 Quarterfinals Deliver Drama as Semifinal Matchups Are Set
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has delivered some of the most thrilling knockout football in recent memory, with all four quarterfinal matches producing edge-of-your-seat drama across the United States. As the tournament enters its final week, the semifinal lineup is now complete, promising two blockbuster clashes that could define a generation of international football.
Spain 2-1 Belgium: Merino the Hero Again
Arsenal’s Mikel Merino has written his name into Spanish football folklore with a second consecutive stoppage-time winner. Just four days after scoring as a substitute to eliminate Portugal in the round of 16, Merino repeated the feat in the quarterfinals against Belgium at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Fabián Ruiz opened the scoring for Spain in the 30th minute with a clinical finish from close range, but Belgium responded through Charles De Ketelaere in the 41st minute — the first goal Spain had conceded all tournament. The match remained deadlocked until the 88th minute, when Belgium’s backup goalkeeper Senne Lammens — forced into action after an injury to Thibaut Courtois — spilled a long-range shot from Pau Cubarsí, and Merino was there to pounce.
“I’ve done this again, and it’s happened to me again, so it would seem that coincidence exists,” Merino said after the match. The victory sends Spain to their first World Cup semifinal since winning the tournament in 2010.
France 4-3 Morocco: Les Bleus Survive Scare
Tournament favorites France booked their place in the semifinals with a thrilling 4-3 extra-time victory over Morocco. Kylian Mbappé continued his outstanding form, scoring and assisting as France overcame a spirited Moroccan side that pushed them all the way. The match was a testament to the depth of quality in this World Cup, with Morocco proving they belong on the biggest stage.
France will now face Spain in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday in a mouthwatering semifinal that has been anticipated since the draw was announced. Neither team has lost at this year’s tournament, setting up a clash of unbeaten giants.
England 2-1 Norway: Bellingham’s Brilliance
Jude Bellingham once again proved why he is regarded as one of the finest players in world football, scoring an extra-time winner to send England past Norway 2-1 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
The match was billed as a showdown between Bellingham and Norway’s Erling Haaland, and it lived up to expectations. After a tense 90 minutes that ended 1-1, Bellingham stepped up in extra time with a moment of individual brilliance to secure England’s place in the semifinals for the first time since 2018. England will now face defending champions Argentina on Wednesday in Atlanta.
Argentina 3-1 Switzerland: Champions Show Their Class
Defending champions Argentina overcame a stubborn Switzerland side 3-1 in extra time to book their semifinal spot. Despite being reduced to 10 men in the 72nd minute after Breel Embolo’s red card, Switzerland forced the game into extra time before ultimately succumbing to Argentina’s quality.
Julián Álvarez produced a wonder strike in extra time to break Swiss hearts, while Lionel Messi continued to orchestrate Argentina’s attack with characteristic brilliance. The match was a reminder of Argentina’s resilience — a quality that carried them to the title in 2022 and could do so again in 2026.
Semifinal Previews: What to Expect
France vs Spain — Tuesday, July 14, Arlington, Texas
This is a matchup steeped in history, with Spain seeking to reassert their tiki-taka dominance against a France side that blends youthful exuberance with tournament-winning experience. France’s attacking firepower, led by Mbappé, will test a Spanish defense that has been breached only once in the tournament. Spain will rely on the creativity of Pedri and the finishing of Álvaro Morata, while hoping Merino’s super-sub magic continues.
England vs Argentina — Wednesday, July 15, Atlanta, Georgia
A rematch of one of football’s most storied rivalries, this semifinal pits England’s star-studded midfield against Argentina’s experienced campaigners. Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice will battle for control of the midfield against Argentina’s Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister. With Harry Kane leading the line for England and Messi pulling the strings for Argentina, goals are almost guaranteed.
Key Statistics from the Quarterfinals
• Spain have conceded only one goal in the entire tournament
• Jude Bellingham has been directly involved in 5 goals in his last 3 World Cup appearances
• France have scored 14 goals in 5 matches — the most of any team in the tournament
• Argentina have reached the semifinals in three consecutive World Cups (2022, 2026)
• Mikel Merino has scored two goals as a substitute — both in stoppage time of knockout matches
Betting Insights with MK Sports
The World Cup semifinals present some of the most exciting betting opportunities of the tournament. At MK Sports, we provide comprehensive coverage of all FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, including live odds, in-play betting, and expert analysis to help you make informed decisions.
France enter their semifinal against Spain as slight favorites given their attacking depth, but Spain’s defensive solidity cannot be overlooked. The England vs Argentina clash is considered a pick-em by most bookmakers, reflecting the quality on both sides.
Whether you’re interested in match winners, goal scorers, correct score predictions, or live in-play markets, MK Sports has you covered with competitive odds and a seamless betting experience.
Looking Ahead: World Cup Final 2026
The 2026 World Cup final will be held on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. With the host nation United States having fallen in the round of 32, the final will feature two European or South American heavyweights battling for football’s greatest prize.
Stay tuned to MK Sports for all the latest World Cup 2026 news, betting odds, match previews, and expert analysis throughout the remainder of the tournament. The action is only getting started.