World Cup 2026 Heats Up: Spain Joins France in Semi-Finals as Haaland vs Kane Showdown Looms
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is reaching fever pitch. With two of the four quarter-finals now settled, the tournament has delivered drama, late heroics, and the promise of more fireworks when the remaining spots are decided this weekend.
Spain Snatch Late Victory Over Belgium
In a thrilling quarter-final clash in Los Angeles on Friday, Spain edged past Belgium 2-1 thanks to a dramatic 88th-minute winner from substitute Mikel Merino. The Arsenal midfielder, who scored a similar injury-time winner against Portugal in the Round of 16, pounced on a rebound after Belgian substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilled Pau Cubarsí’s long-range strike.
Fabian Ruiz had given Spain the lead in the 30th minute, drilling home after Thibaut Courtois initially saved Dani Olmo’s effort. Belgium responded through Charles de Ketelaere’s header four minutes before half-time — the first goal Spain had conceded in 649 minutes of football at this World Cup.
The turning point came when Courtois was forced off with an apparent muscle injury in the 71st minute. His replacement, Manchester United’s Senne Lammens, could not handle Cubarsí’s shot, allowing Merino to score just 117 seconds after coming off the bench.
Spain will now face France in the semi-finals on Tuesday, 14 July in Dallas, after the 2018 champions dispatched Morocco 2-0 on Thursday.
France Cruise Past Morocco
France’s 2-0 victory over Morocco was more comfortable than the scoreline suggests. Despite Kylian Mbappé missing a first-half penalty, Les Bleus dominated from start to finish. Morocco managed just one shot on target all game, while France created chance after chance. Didier Deschamps’ side look every bit the tournament favourites, with many pundits calling them one of the most complete World Cup squads in recent memory.
Today: Norway vs England — The Haaland vs Kane Battle
All eyes are on Norway vs England in today’s quarter-final at 11:00 PM (local time). The match pits two of world football’s deadliest strikers against each other: Erling Haaland and Harry Kane.
Haaland has been unstoppable with 7 goals in the tournament, scoring the winner in all four matches he has played. Kane is right behind with 6 goals, including crucial strikes against DR Congo and Mexico. The England captain has also been ably supported by Jude Bellingham, who has chipped in with 4 goals.
For Norway, the formula is simple: if Haaland scores, they almost always win. Without his goals, their win rate drops below 30%. England, by contrast, have more attacking diversity through Bellingham and an improved defence that has kept three clean sheets.
The winner will face either Argentina or Switzerland in the semi-finals on Wednesday, 15 July.
Argentina vs Switzerland — Sunday’s Quarter-Final
The final quarter-final sees Lionel Messi’s Argentina take on a well-organized Switzerland side at 3:00 AM on Sunday. Argentina, the 2022 champions, have looked solid but not spectacular so far. Switzerland, as always, will be dangerous on the counter-attack.
Upcoming Schedule
- Saturday, 11 July: Norway vs England (Quarter-Final) — 11:00 PM
- Sunday, 12 July: Argentina vs Switzerland (Quarter-Final) — 3:00 AM
- Tuesday, 14 July: France vs Spain (Semi-Final) — 8:00 PM BST
- Wednesday, 15 July: Winner QF3 vs Winner QF4 (Semi-Final) — 8:00 PM BST
- Sunday, 19 July: World Cup 2026 Final
FAQ
Q: Who has scored more goals at the 2026 World Cup — Haaland or Kane?
A: Erling Haaland leads with 7 goals, while Harry Kane has 6. Both are among the tournament’s top scorers.
Q: Where are the semi-finals being played?
A: The France vs Spain semi-final is at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. The second semi-final will be held at a venue yet to be confirmed.
Q: When is the World Cup 2026 final?
A: The final will take place on Sunday, 19 July 2026 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Q: Have Norway and England ever met in a World Cup knockout match before?
A: No, this is the first time Norway and England have faced each other in a World Cup knockout stage match.