2026 FIFA World Cup Roundup, Quarterfinals
The quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has concluded, featuring exciting games, impressive individual displays, and surprising outcomes. Below is a recap of the groups.
France 2-0 Morocco
Kylian Mbappé scored his 20th FIFA World Cup goal after recovering from a missed penalty in the first half, helping France secure a 2-0 victory over Morocco in the quarter-finals in Foxborough. This win keeps France’s chances alive for a third straight final appearance. Mike Maignan and the team confidently managed Morocco’s short-lived late challenge to maintain their third consecutive clean sheet, guaranteeing that Les Bleus will enter Tuesday’s semi-final against Spain with strong momentum.
Spain 2-1 Belgium
Mikel Merino’s late goal secured Spain’s place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals with a 2-1 win over Belgium, extending their head-to-head winning streak to six matches and setting up an exciting showdown with France. This goal leads to a semi-final meeting with France in Dallas next Tuesday, with coach De la Fuente becoming only the third European national team manager to win each of his first seven knockout matches at a major tournament. On the other hand, this loss eliminated an aging Red Devils team, ending their 18-match unbeaten streak (12 wins, 6 draws) in the most heartbreaking way.
Norway 1-2 England (After Extra Time)
England advanced to their first FIFA World Cup semi-final outside of Europe by overcoming a goal deficit to defeat Norway 2-1 after extra time. This ended Norway’s best-ever run in a major tournament and set up a semi-final clash with Argentina. England managed to hold their lead, marking only the second time in their last seven World Cup knockout matches that they have beaten another European team, securing just their fourth World Cup semi-final appearance.
Argentina 3-1 Switzerland (After Extra Time)
Argentina secured a sensational FIFA World Cup semi-final clash against England following an incredible extra-time goal by Julián Álvarez, which led them to an exciting 3-1 win over Switzerland. This victory brings La Selección one step closer to becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup title. Lautaro Martínez confirmed the thrilling win by calmly converting a rebound from 12 yards, setting up an eagerly anticipated semi-final showdown with England on Wednesday.
