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Quarter-Finals Recap: The Final Four Are Here
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached its business end. After 28 matches across the group stage, Round of 32, Round of 16, and quarter-finals, only four teams remain standing: France, Spain, England, and Argentina. All four are among the top-ranked nations in world football — a testament to the sheer quality on display in this historic tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Quarter-Final Results
| Match | Score | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| France vs Morocco | 2-0 | Boston Stadium | Thu, Jul 9 |
| Spain vs Belgium | 2-1 | Los Angeles Stadium | Fri, Jul 10 |
| England vs Norway (AET) | 2-1 | Miami Stadium | Sat, Jul 11 |
| Argentina vs Switzerland (AET) | 3-1 | Kansas City (Arrowhead) | Sat, Jul 11 |
Match Highlights
🇫🇷 France 2-0 Morocco 🇲🇦
Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring and Ousmane Dembélé doubled the lead as France controlled the tie from start to finish. Les Bleus look every bit the defending champions as they march toward a potential second consecutive title.
🇪🇸 Spain 2-1 Belgium 🇧🇪
In a tense affair in LA, Fabián Ruiz put Spain ahead before Charles De Ketelaere equalized for Belgium. But Mikel Merino popped up with an 88th-minute rebound to snatch victory for La Roja in a dramatic finish.
🏴 England 2-1 Norway (AET) 🇳🇴
The match of the round. Norway stunned England by taking the lead through Andreas Schjelderup in the Miami heat. But Jude Bellingham — who else? — equalized just before half-time with a moment of individual brilliance. After Norway had a second goal controversially disallowed by VAR for a Haaland foul, the game went to extra time, where Bellingham pounced on a defensive error to score his sixth goal of the tournament and send England to the semi-finals for the first time since 2018.
🇦🇷 Argentina 3-1 Switzerland (AET) 🇨🇭
Lionel Messi’s corner found Alexis Mac Allister for the opener in the 10th minute. Dan Ndoye equalized for Switzerland, but disaster struck when Breel Embolo was sent off for simulation (second yellow). Despite being down to 10 men, Switzerland held firm until extra time, when Julián Álvarez produced a breathtaking curler into the top corner (112′). Lautaro Martínez added a late third to seal it. Argentina remain unbeaten in 12 World Cup matches as they chase back-to-back titles — something not done since Brazil in 1962.
Semi-Final Schedule
| Match | Date | Kick-off (ET) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇫🇷 France vs Spain 🇪🇸 | Tuesday, July 14 | 3:00 PM ET | Dallas Stadium (AT&T), Arlington |
| 🏴 England vs Argentina 🇦🇷 | Wednesday, July 15 | 3:00 PM ET | Atlanta Stadium (Mercedes-Benz) |
Both matches will be broadcast live on FOX (English) and Telemundo (Spanish) in the United States. Each semi-final is a single-elimination match — if level after 90 minutes, 30 minutes of extra time will be played, followed by a penalty shootout if necessary.
Key Storylines
- France vs Spain — A clash of European titans. France rely on the lethal pace of Mbappé and Dembélé, while Spain’s possession game and young midfield creativity make them a nightmare to break down. France have won 3 of their last 5 meetings.
- England vs Argentina — A rivalry dripping with history. From Maradona’s “Hand of God” in 1986 to the penalty shootout in 1998 and England’s revenge in 2002, this fixture never lacks drama. Jude Bellingham (6 goals) and Lionel Messi (8 goals, joint Golden Boot leader with Mbappé) are the players to watch.
What’s Next
The winners of the semi-finals will meet in the World Cup Final on Sunday, July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The two losing teams will contest the third-place match on Saturday, July 18 in Miami.
FAQ
Where can I watch the World Cup 2026 semi-finals?
In the US, matches air on FOX (English) and Telemundo (Spanish). Streaming is available on FOX Sports app and Peacock. FuboTV offers a free trial for cord-cutters.
What happens if a semi-final is tied?
The match goes to 30 minutes of extra time. If still tied, a penalty shootout determines the winner.
When is the World Cup 2026 Final?
Sunday, July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey. Kick-off time TBD.