Knockout Stage Heats Up in North America
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached its most electrifying phase, with the quarterfinal round producing unforgettable drama across four venues in the United States. As the tournament enters its final week, the remaining eight teams have battled for the right to be called world champions, and the action has not disappointed.
With the semi-finals now taking shape, football fans worldwide are witnessing a World Cup for the ages — featuring stunning individual performances, tactical masterclasses, and the kind of edge-of-your-seat tension that only knockout football can provide.
France 2-0 Morocco: Les Bleus March On
Kylian Mbappé delivered another defining performance as France overcame a stubborn Morocco side 2-0 at Boston Stadium on Thursday to book their place in a third consecutive World Cup semi-final. The French captain scored his eighth goal of the tournament and added an assist, despite missing an early penalty.
Mbappé’s spot-kick was comfortably saved by Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou after a VAR review awarded the penalty for a foul by Noussair Mazraoui. However, the 27-year-old responded in emphatic fashion, curling a precise shot past Bounou on the hour mark before setting up Ousmane Dembélé for a clinical second six minutes later.
For Morocco, the defeat marked the end of a historic run that saw them become the first African nation to reach the quarterfinals in consecutive World Cups. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi acknowledged the need for reflection, stating the team must “take stock” and build on their achievements.
France will now face the winner of Spain versus Belgium in the semi-finals on Tuesday, July 14 in Los Angeles.
Spain 2-1 Belgium: Merino the Hero Again
Mikel Merino wrote his name into Spanish football history once more, scoring a dramatic late winner to send La Roja past Belgium 2-1 in a thrilling quarterfinal at Los Angeles Stadium on Friday.
The match was a tense, tactical affair befitting a World Cup knockout tie. Belgium took the lead through a well-worked set-piece, but Spain responded with characteristic patience and possession dominance. After equalizing in the second half, Spain pushed relentlessly for a winner, and it arrived through Merino’s sublime strike in the dying minutes.
The victory continues Spain’s remarkable tournament run and sets up a tantalizing semi-final clash with France. Lamine Yamal, Spain’s teenage sensation, has been at the heart of their attacking play, though head coach Luis de la Fuente acknowledged the team needs more from their forward line despite advancing.
“We created chances but we need to be more clinical,” de la Fuente said after the match. “Against France, we cannot afford to waste opportunities.”
Norway vs England: The Haaland-Bellingham Showdown
All eyes turn to Miami on Saturday as Norway and England face off at Hard Rock Stadium in a quarterfinal that pits two of world football’s brightest stars against each other. Erling Haaland’s Norway takes on Jude Bellingham’s England with a semi-final berth on the line.
Haaland has been the tournament’s standout performer, powering Norway past Brazil in the Round of 16 with two goals and establishing himself as the World Cup’s biggest star. England, meanwhile, showed tremendous character to come from behind against Mexico in the previous round, with Bellingham orchestrating the comeback.
The match represents a fascinating tactical battle: Norway’s direct, powerful approach led by Haaland versus England’s technical midfield superiority. Both teams have injury concerns but are expected to field their strongest available XIs.
Argentina vs Switzerland: Messi’s Final Dance?
Lionel Messi and Argentina face Switzerland on Saturday night in the final quarterfinal, with the Albiceleste looking to keep their title defense alive. Argentina came from behind to defeat Egypt in a dramatic Round of 16 encounter, showing the resilience that has defined their recent tournament success.
Switzerland, as always, represent a formidable defensive challenge. Organized, disciplined, and dangerous on the counter-attack, they will look to frustrate Argentina and exploit any defensive vulnerabilities. Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni will hope Julian Alvarez’s return can provide the attacking spark the team needs to reduce their dependency on Messi.
Should Argentina advance, they would face the winner of Norway-England in the semi-finals, setting up a potential blockbuster tie.
What’s at Stake
The 2026 World Cup semi-finals are shaping up to be among the most competitive in recent memory. France and Spain are already through, with the winner of France-Spain facing whoever emerges from the Norway-England-Argentina side of the bracket.
The final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where one nation will etch its name into football immortality. With Germany and Brazil already eliminated in earlier rounds, the path is open for a new champion or a return to glory for one of Europe’s traditional powers.
Where to Watch and Bet
All remaining World Cup matches are available on FOX Sports, Telemundo, and streaming platforms. For fans looking to enhance their viewing experience, MK Sports offers comprehensive match coverage, expert analysis, and competitive odds on every World Cup fixture. Whether you’re backing Mbappé for the Golden Boot or predicting the tournament winner, stay ahead of the action with MK Sports’ market-leading betting options.
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