**The 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals kicked off with a bang as France dispatched Morocco 2-0 in Boston, becoming the first team to book a spot in the final four. Meanwhile, defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, are two days away from a highly anticipated showdown with Colombia.**
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## France March On After Dominant Display
France wrote the first chapter of the World Cup 2026 quarterfinals on Thursday, defeating Morocco 2-0 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Les Bleus controlled the tempo from the opening whistle, breaking through Morocco’s stubborn defense in the first half and sealing the victory with a second-half strike.
The result sets up a blockbuster semifinal appearance for Didier Deschamps’ squad, who will travel to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, for a July 14 clash against the winner of Friday’s Spain vs. Belgium quarterfinal.
France’s performance was a statement of intent. After a Round of 16 scare against a physical opponent, the 2018 champions looked sharp, organized, and dangerous going forward. The French defense, anchored by Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konaté, kept Morocco at bay while the midfield controlled possession and created opportunities.
## The Quarterfinal Picture
The quarterfinal lineup is stacked with quality. Here is where things stand:
| Match | Date | Result | Venue | Semifinal Destination |
|——-|——|——–|——-|———————-|
| France vs Morocco | Thu, Jul 9 | **2-0 France ✅** | Boston | Semifinal 1 (Dallas, Jul 14) |
| Spain vs Belgium | Fri, Jul 10 | TBD | Los Angeles | Semifinal 1 (Dallas, Jul 14) |
| Norway vs England | Sat, Jul 11 | TBD | Miami | Semifinal 2 (Atlanta, Jul 15) |
| Argentina vs Colombia | Sat, Jul 11 | TBD | Kansas City | Semifinal 2 (Atlanta, Jul 15) |
## Argentina’s Road: Messi Eyes Another Classic
Defending champions Argentina earned a dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt in the Round of 16 on July 7, with Lionel Messi delivering an emotional performance — he was in tears at the final whistle as Argentina survived a late Egyptian surge. The win set up a quarterfinal meeting with Colombia on Saturday, July 11, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City (9:00 PM ET / 8:00 PM CT).
Colombia, who edged Switzerland on penalties to claim the last quarterfinal spot, will be no pushovers. Los Cafeteros knocked out the United States in the group stage and have looked increasingly dangerous as the tournament has progressed. With James Rodriguez pulling the strings and Luis Diaz causing chaos on the flanks, Colombia have the tools to trouble Argentina’s defense.
For Messi — who signed a contract extension with Inter Miami through the 2026 MLS season in recent weeks — this World Cup represents a chance to cement his legacy further. At 39, it is widely expected to be his final World Cup appearance. The Argentine captain has already scored two goals and provided three assists in the tournament so far, showing flashes of the magic that carried his country to glory in 2022.
The winner of Argentina vs Colombia will face either Norway or England in the second semifinal on July 15 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
## All Three Host Nations Eliminated
In a surprising twist, all three co-hosts — the United States, Mexico, and Canada — were eliminated in the Round of 16. Belgium knocked out the United States 4-1, England edged past Mexico 3-2, and Morocco defeated Canada. It is the first time since 2002 that no host nation has reached the World Cup quarterfinals.
## What’s Next?
The World Cup 2026 semifinals and final schedule:
– **Semifinal 1:** July 14 — Dallas, AT&T Stadium (3:00 PM ET)
– **Semifinal 2:** July 15 — Atlanta, Mercedes-Benz Stadium (3:00 PM ET)
– **Third-Place Match:** July 18 — Miami, Hard Rock Stadium
– **Final:** July 19 — East Rutherford, MetLife Stadium (New Jersey)
Both semifinals will be broadcast on FOX (English) and Telemundo (Spanish) in the United States.
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## FAQ
### Who has qualified for the World Cup 2026 semifinals so far?
France secured the first semifinal spot with a 2-0 win over Morocco on July 9. The remaining three semifinalists will be decided by the results of Spain vs Belgium (July 10), Norway vs England (July 11), and Argentina vs Colombia (July 11).
### Where is the World Cup 2026 Final being played?
The Final will take place on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (officially referred to as New York New Jersey Stadium by FIFA).
### Is this Lionel Messi’s last World Cup?
While Messi has not officially confirmed his retirement from international football after 2026, the 39-year-old’s contract extension with Inter Miami aligns with the tournament timeline, and most analysts expect this to be his final World Cup appearance.
### Which hosts were eliminated and by whom?
The United States lost 4-1 to Belgium, Mexico fell 3-2 to England, and Canada was knocked out by Morocco — all in the Round of 16.
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