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The 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals delivered all the drama and excitement fans could have hoped for, with stunning comebacks, last-gasp winners, and extra-time heroics across the United States. With the semi-finals now set, here is your complete recap of the knockout action.
England 2-1 Norway (AET) — Bellingham Inspires Comeback
Jude Bellingham delivered a masterclass in the Miami heat as England battled past a resilient Norway side to reach their first men’s World Cup semi-final since 2018. Trailing 1-0 after Andreas Schjelderup’s stunning dipping strike beat Jordan Pickford just before halftime in the first half, England looked rattled — but their superstar midfielder had other ideas.
Bellingham equalized in first-half stoppage time, taking Anthony Gordon’s pass perfectly in his stride to beat Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland. The second half saw Norway push hard, with Torbjorn Heggem having a goal ruled out for Erling Haaland’s push on Elliot Anderson and David Moller Wolfe heading against the crossbar.
With the match locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes, extra time beckoned. Just three minutes into the added period, Bellingham struck again — pouncing on a loose ball after Nyland could only parry substitute Morgan Rogers’ shot. Haaland, subdued throughout, was substituted at the break in extra time as Norway’s dreams ended in heartbreak.
England will now face either Argentina or Switzerland in the semi-finals on Wednesday, July 15 — their third World Cup semi-final since winning the trophy in 1966.
Spain 2-1 Belgium — Merino Strikes Again
Mikel Merino has become Spain’s super-sub of the tournament. After scoring a 91st-minute winner against Portugal in the Round of 16, the Arsenal midfielder repeated the feat — this time netting in the 88th minute to break Belgian hearts in Los Angeles.
Fabian Ruiz had opened the scoring for Spain in the 30th minute, drilling home the rebound after Thibaut Courtois saved Dani Olmo’s initial effort. But Belgium hit back four minutes before halftime when Charles de Ketelaere powered home Timothy Castagne’s cross — ending Spain’s remarkable 649-minute run without conceding at the tournament.
The turning point came when Courtois went off with a muscle injury in the 71st minute, replaced by Manchester United’s Senne Lammens. With the clock ticking toward extra time, Pau Cubarsi’s 25-yard strike was spilled by Lammens, and Merino — on the pitch for just 117 seconds — pounced to plant the rebound into the roof of the net.
Spain will face France in the semi-finals on Tuesday, July 14 in Dallas.
France 2-0 Morocco — Les Bleus March On
Kylian Mbappe and France continued their dominant run, cruising past Morocco 2-0 in the quarter-finals. Mbappe, level with Lionel Messi on eight goals in the Golden Boot race, was instrumental as France booked their semi-final spot with a composed performance.
Argentina vs Switzerland — Still Undecided
The final quarter-final saw Argentina and Switzerland locked at 1-1 after extra time in Kansas City. Alexis Mac Allister headed Argentina into an early lead, but Dan Ndoye leveled for Switzerland. The match took a dramatic turn when Breel Embolo was sent off, though the decision involved a VAR overturn after mistaken identity on an initial yellow card. The winner would face England in the semi-finals.
World Cup 2026 — Semi-Final Schedule
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, July 14 | France vs Spain | Dallas, TX | 3:00 PM ET |
| Wed, July 15 | England vs ARG/SUI | TBD | 3:00 PM ET |
Key Takeaways & Looking Ahead
Golden Boot Race: Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe are tied on 8 goals each, setting up a fascinating individual battle as the tournament enters its final stages. Can either break the record for most goals in a single World Cup tournament?
England’s Best Shot? With Bellingham in imperious form and the Three Lions showing genuine resilience, this might be England’s best opportunity to end their 60-year wait for a major men’s title. Thomas Tuchel’s tactical nous combined with individual brilliance makes them a serious threat.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Who are the favorites to win?
France, England, and Spain are the remaining top contenders, with Argentina still in the hunt pending their quarter-final result.
Has England won the World Cup before?
England won the men’s World Cup once, back in 1966 on home soil. They reached the semi-finals in 1990 and 2018 but fell short both times.
Stay tuned to PC Master Deals for continuous World Cup 2026 coverage, match analysis, and updates throughout the knockout stages.