World Cup 2026 Quarter-Finals: England Face Norway, France and Spain Book Semi-Final Spots

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is heating up as we enter the business end of the tournament. With France and Spain already securing their semi-final places, all eyes turn to Miami today where England take on Norway in what promises to be a blockbuster quarter-final clash.

Quarter-Final Action So Far

France 2-0 Morocco

Kylian Mbappé produced another moment of magic to send France into the semi-finals, smashing a stunning strike past Morocco’s goalkeeper to break the deadlock. The French superstar, widely considered the best player in the world, added a second to seal a comfortable victory. Les Bleus continue to look like strong contenders for back-to-back World Cup titles after their 2022 triumph in Qatar.

Spain 2-1 Belgium

Spain snatched a dramatic late winner against Belgium to set up a mouth-watering semi-final clash with France. La Roja dominated possession as expected but found Belgium a tough nut to crack until a late breakthrough. The win extends Spain’s remarkable run in the tournament and sets up a classic European showdown in the semi-finals.

England vs Norway — Today’s Showdown (July 11)

Thomas Tuchel’s England face their biggest test yet against a Norway side led by the tournament’s most feared striker — Erling Haaland.

England have looked solid but unspectacular so far, and Tuchel has been working overtime on a tactical plan to neutralize Haaland, who has been in devastating form. The Chelsea legend-turned-manager acknowledged the threat, saying: “Cutting off Haaland is key, but Norway are not just a one-man team.”

England fans have descended on Miami in their tens of thousands, turning the city into a sea of white and red. The match represents a genuine crossroads — can England’s golden generation finally deliver on the biggest stage, or will Haaland’s Norway continue their fairytale run?

Key Match-Ups to Watch

  • Haaland vs England’s Defense: Can John Stones and Marc Guéhi contain the Manchester City machine?
  • Jude Bellingham vs Martin Ødegaard: Two Real Madrid legends going head-to-head in midfield
  • Tuchel’s Tactics vs Norway’s Free-Flowing Attack

Argentina and Switzerland Complete Quarter-Final Picture

Argentina narrowly edged past Cape Verde in a thriller that showed both the heart and the flaws of Messi’s final World Cup campaign. La Albiceleste will face Switzerland, who shocked Colombia on penalties to reach the quarter-finals.

Christian Pulisic Injury

In sadder news, USMNT star Christian Pulisic has been ruled out for several weeks after suffering a leg fracture in the USA’s Round of 16 loss to Belgium. The AC Milan winger was stretchered off in what proved to be a heartbreaking end to America’s World Cup journey.

FAQ

Q: When is the England vs Norway match?
A: The match kicks off on Saturday, July 11, 2026 in Miami, Florida.

Q: Who plays who in the semi-finals?
A: France vs Spain is confirmed for one semi-final. The winner of England vs Norway will face the winner of Argentina vs Switzerland in the other semi.

Q: When is the World Cup 2026 final?
A: The final will be played on Sunday, July 19, 2026.

Upcoming World Cup 2026 Schedule

Date Match Stage
July 11 England vs Norway Quarter-Final
July 12 Argentina vs Switzerland Quarter-Final
July 14 Semi-Final 1 (France vs Spain) Semi-Final
July 15 Semi-Final 2 Semi-Final
July 18 3rd Place Play-Off Play-Off
July 19 World Cup 2026 Final Final

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