The 2026 FIFA World Cup is reaching boiling point as the quarter-finals delivered edge-of-your-seat drama across the globe. Kylian Mbappé produced a moment of pure magic to fire France past a resilient Morocco side, while Switzerland, Argentina, and Egypt also booked their spots in the semi-finals in a breathtaking round of knockout football.
France 2-0 Morocco: Mbappé’s Redemption Arc
In a match that had everything, Kylian Mbappé went from villain to hero within the span of 45 minutes. After seeing a first-half penalty saved by Morocco’s inspired goalkeeper, the French superstar responded with a stunning strike shortly after the break — a curling, dipping effort from the edge of the box that left everyone in the stadium speechless.
The goal was vintage Mbappé: blistering pace to create space, a sharp cut inside, and an unstoppable shot into the top corner. France doubled their lead before full time to secure a 2-0 victory and book a place in the semi-finals.
Morolla, who had been one of the tournament’s surprise packages with their organized defensive structure and counter-attacking flair, fought valiantly but could not find a way past the French backline.
Switzerland Edge Colombia on Penalties
Switzerland continued their giant-killing run by eliminating Colombia in a dramatic penalty shootout. After a tense 120 minutes that ended in a stalemate, the Swiss held their nerve from the spot to advance to the semi-finals — equalling their best-ever World Cup performance.
Argentina Survive Cape Verde Scare
Argentina came within minutes of a shock exit before mounting a controversial late comeback against Cape Verde. The South American champions found themselves trailing until the dying stages, but two quick goals turned the tie on its head and sent the Albiceleste through in dramatic fashion.
Egypt Advance Past Australia in Shootout
Bidding to become the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final since 2010, Egypt overcame Australia in a tense penalty shootout. The Pharaohs’ goalkeeper proved the hero, saving two Australian spot-kicks to send his nation into dreamland.
What’s Coming Next?
The quarter-finals continue with two blockbuster fixtures:
- Spain vs Belgium — Friday, July 10: Two European heavyweights collide in what promises to be a tactical masterclass.
- England vs Norway — Saturday, July 11: Arsenal teammates Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard put their club rivalry aside in a battle for semi-final glory, with Erling Haaland leading the Norwegian charge and warning that “all the pressure is on England.”
FAQ
Who has scored the most goals in World Cup 2026 so far?
Erling Haaland leads the Golden Boot race with 6 goals heading into the quarter-finals, followed closely by Kylian Mbappé and Argentina’s Lautaro Martínez on 5 each.
When and where is the World Cup 2026 final?
The final will be played on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey — one of the iconic venues across the United States, Canada, and Mexico that have hosted the tournament.