This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, PC Master Deals earns from qualifying purchases.
World Cup 2026 Quarter-Final Roundup: Spain and France Book Semi-Final Showdown
The 2026 World Cup delivered another night of high drama as the quarter-finals reached their climax. Spain snatched a late 2-1 victory over Belgium in Los Angeles, while France dispatched Morocco to set up a blockbuster semi-final clash in Arlington, Texas. Here’s everything you need to know.
Spain 2-1 Belgium — Merino Does It Again!
Venue: Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood, CA
Result: Spain 2-1 Belgium
| Team | Goals | Scorers |
|---|---|---|
| 🇪🇸 Spain | 2 | Fabián Ruiz 30′, Mikel Merino 88′ |
| 🇧🇪 Belgium | 1 | Charles De Ketelaere 41′ |
Key Moments
- 30′ GOAL — Spain 1-0: Fabián Ruiz drilled home the rebound after Thibaut Courtois saved Dani Olmo’s effort, giving Spain a deserved lead.
- 41′ GOAL — 1-1: Charles De Ketelaere rose highest to head home Timothy Castagne’s cross, ending Spain’s incredible 649-minute run without conceding at the tournament.
- 71′ — Courtois Injury: Real Madrid’s star goalkeeper broke down in tears after suffering a muscle injury, replaced by Senne Lammens.
- 88′ GOAL — Spain 2-1: Mikel Merino, on the pitch for just 117 seconds, pounced after Lammens spilled Pau Cubarsí’s long-range shot and slotted home the winner.
Mikel Merino has cemented his status as Spain’s super-sub. The Arsenal midfielder also scored a 91st-minute winner against Portugal in the Round of 32. His header against Leicester in February 2025 first showed his striker instincts, and he’s now carried that form onto the World Cup stage.
France 2-0 Morocco — Clinical Les Bleus March On
Venue: Houston Stadium, TX
Result: France 2-0 Morocco
| Team | Goals | Scorers |
|---|---|---|
| 🇫🇷 France | 2 | Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé |
| 🇲🇦 Morocco | 0 | — |
France delivered a masterclass, controlling the match from start to finish. Morocco managed just one shot on target all game and rarely threatened the French defense. Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé got on the scoresheet, keeping France firmly on track for their third World Cup title. Former England striker Ian Wright described Deschamps’ side as “one of the most clear favourites for a World Cup tournament I have ever seen.”
Upcoming Quarter-Final Fixtures
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 11 | 🇬🇧 England vs Norway 🇳🇴 | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami | 5:00 PM |
| July 11/12 | 🇦🇷 Argentina vs Switzerland 🇨🇭 | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta | 10:00 PM |
Semi-Final Schedule
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| July 14 | 🇪🇸 Spain vs France 🇫🇷 | AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX |
| July 14/15 | England/Norway vs Argentina/Switzerland | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA |
Looking Ahead
The Spain vs France semi-final on Tuesday, July 14 in Arlington is the match everyone has been waiting for. Neither team has lost at this tournament, and with generational talents like Mbappé and Lamine Yamal on show, fireworks are guaranteed.
The England vs Norway quarter-final today also promises huge interest. With Erling Haaland leading the Norwegian charge and England desperate to reach the semis, it’s a clash of styles — not to mention the extreme Miami heat, which could be a deciding factor.
Argentina, meanwhile, face Switzerland after Lionel Messi’s dramatic late show against Egypt. The 39-year-old has now scored in six consecutive World Cup knockout matches — an all-time record.
Who will lift the trophy on July 19? Stay tuned to PC Master Deals for all the latest World Cup 2026 coverage.
FAQ
When is the World Cup 2026 final?
The final will be played on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Where can I watch World Cup 2026 matches?
In the US, matches are broadcast on Fox, FS1, and streamed on Fubo. Check your local listings for exact channels.
Who is the Golden Boot leader?
Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi are tied at the top with 8 goals each, with the Golden Boot race shaping up to be one of the tightest in World Cup history.
Bookmark PC Master Deals for World Cup 2026 updates, match analysis, and highlights throughout the tournament.