World Cup 2026 quarter-finals: full roundup and semi-final schedule

The World Cup 2026 quarter-finals delivered four intense matches between 9 and 11 July: France beat Morocco (2-0, Gillette Stadium / Boston), Spain eliminated Belgium (2-1, Los Angeles), England defeated Norway after extra time (2-1, Bellingham brace) and Argentina overturned Switzerland (3-1 a.e.t., Embolo sent off). The semi-finals are on 15 July 2026: France vs Spain and England vs Argentina in Atlanta. WOP360 provides the full roundup, key takeaways from each quarter and the semi-final programme — with links to the World Cup 2026 Match Center, our France and Morocco desks, and Sport.

This first 48-team World Cup confirmed the depth of the final four: four nations accustomed to semi-finals or finals since 2018 will fight for a place at MetLife Stadium. The quarters mixed French dominance, Iberian resilience, Nordic drama and Alpine tension — a condensed snapshot of knockout football in North America.

Quarter-final results and dates

Four matches, four semi-finalists on 15 July. Official scores and venues:

• Thursday 9 July — Gillette Stadium (Boston): France 2-0 Morocco (Mbappé 60', Dembélé 66')
• Friday 10 July — Los Angeles: Spain 2-1 Belgium
• Saturday 11 July: England 2-1 Norway a.e.t. (Bellingham ×2)
• Saturday 11 July: Argentina 3-1 Switzerland a.e.t. (Mac Allister, Alvarez, Lautaro; Embolo sent off)

The France–Spain winner faces the England–Argentina survivor in the final on 19 July at MetLife Stadium. Third-place match on 18 July. Updated schedule on the WOP360 Match Center.

France 2-0 Morocco: Les Bleus reach the semi-finals

The opening quarter at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough (Boston area) pitted two recent World Cup finalists. Morocco, surprise semi-finalists in 2022, held firm for an hour thanks to an imperious Yassine Bounou in the first half — five decisive saves against Mbappé, Dembélé, Griezmann and Thuram, including two in stoppage time before the break. The second half turned in eight minutes: Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring in the 60th minute with an angled finish after a Griezmann–Hernandez combination, then Ousmane Dembélé doubled the lead in the 66th on a lightning counter launched by Tchouaméni.

Didier Deschamps praised his team's patience against Morocco's compact 4-1-4-1 block. Mohamed Ouahbi regretted the lack of attacking ruthlessness: the Lions managed only two shots on target in 90 minutes despite 42% possession after the break. Hakimi and Mazraoui contained Hernandez and Koundé until fatigue set in; En-Nesyri was isolated, Brahim Díaz neutralised by Tchouaméni. Morocco's run ends in the quarter-finals — but 2026 confirms North African football's rise after the Brazil draw and Scotland win.

Statistically France dominated (58% possession, 14 shots, xG 1.8 vs 0.6) without convincing until the hour mark — a pattern Deschamps has seen before in knockout football. Griezmann was man of the match (assist, 92% pass accuracy, rating 8.4). Mbappé reached six tournament goals, joint leader with Haaland and Lautaro heading into the semis.

Full match report: France 2-0 Morocco — complete report and preview France vs Morocco analysis. Hub: Morocco.

Spain 2-1 Belgium: La Roja confirm in Los Angeles

On 10 July in Los Angeles, Spain under Luis de la Fuente beat Belgium 2-1. The Red Devils took the lead through Loïs Openda in the first half, but Spain turned it around via Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams — the tournament's most feared wing pair.

Spanish midfield — Pedri, Rodri, Olmo — gradually suffocated Belgium after half-time. Thibaut Courtois made several saves, but Iberian attacking depth prevailed. Belgium, without Kevin De Bruyne (knockout injury), lacked late creativity and could not respond when Yamal cut inside from the right in the 67th minute.

For Spain, this semi-final berth confirms the post-Euro 2024 transition. Yamal (18) and Williams (22) will test France's defence on 15 July — speed against speed on the flanks. De la Fuente has rotated less than Deschamps but trusts his starting XI to press high and recover quickly — a style that could expose France if Les Bleus lose possession in their own half.

Tedesco's Belgium leave with regrets: Openda's goal showed they can hurt elite opposition, but the gap between Courtois's heroics and the Red Devils' final-third output remains wide. This may be the last World Cup for several golden-generation Belgians.

England 2-1 Norway (a.e.t.): Bellingham saves the Three Lions

On 11 July, England endured a tense night against Norway and Erling Haaland. Trailing 0-1 at the 78th minute after Haaland's header from a corner, the Three Lions equalised in stoppage time through Jude Bellingham (90+3) with a volley from the edge of the box. In extra time Bellingham struck again (105) with a driven finish after Kane's lay-off to send England through.

Gareth Southgate's side threw on Foden, Palmer and Watkins to unlock the game. Norwegian keeper Orjan Nyland was man of the match on the losing side with seven saves — including a point-blank denial of Saka in the 88th minute that could have sealed Norway's first World Cup semi-final since 1998. Haaland remained dangerous despite inferior midfield possession; he hit the post in the 112th minute.

This qualification sets up a generational clash against Argentina on 15 July in Atlanta — Bellingham, Rice and Saka against Enzo, De Paul and Mac Allister. England have now won two knockout games via late goals — a sign of mental strength or a warning about defensive vulnerability depending on perspective.

Norway's run ends with pride: Haaland scored five tournament goals, and the Scandinavian side pushed England further than many expected. For the Three Lions, the semi-final is a chance to exorcise the ghosts of 2022 and 2021 finals lost on penalties.

Argentina 3-1 Switzerland (a.e.t.): champions in survival mode

In the same slot on 11 July, defending champions Argentina were pushed to extra time by organised Switzerland built around Granit Xhaka and Manuel Akanji. Trailing 0-1 to Embolo at the 72nd minute, the Albiceleste equalised through Alexis Mac Allister (85) with a header from a Messi free-kick before Embolo's second yellow (88) for a foul on Enzo shifted momentum.

In extra time Julian Alvarez (108) pounced on a loose ball after Sommer parried Messi's shot, and Lautaro Martinez (115) sealed victory with a counter-attack finish as Switzerland, down to ten, struggled to contain Messi and Di Maria. Lionel Scaloni praised collective maturity — a trait they will need against England's pressing.

Argentina did not always dominate statistically (48% possession, 11 shots on target) but showed knockout experience: five extra-time periods since 2022, including the final against France. That resilience is their main asset in Atlanta. Messi, 39, played the full 120 minutes — fitness for the semi will be monitored closely.

Switzerland exit with heads held high: Murati Yakin's side eliminated Italy in the round of 16 and pushed Argentina to the limit. Embolo's red card was the turning point — without it, the Swiss might have forced penalties.

Semi-final schedule — 15 July 2026

Both semi-finals are on Tuesday 15 July 2026 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta (~71,000 capacity).

• Semi-final 1: France vs Spain — 15 July 2026, Atlanta
• Semi-final 2: England vs Argentina — 15 July 2026, Atlanta (evening slot expected)

Broadcast: M6/beIN (France), SNRT/beIN (Morocco), FOX/Telemundo (USA). Check exact kick-off times on the WOP360 Match Center the day before.

Atlanta hosts its first World Cup semi-final since 1994. Summer heat and Georgia humidity may influence tempo — hydration, rotation and medical timeouts will be monitored by all four squads.

France vs Spain: semi-final preview

France vs Spain pits physical depth and squad strength against possession and wing speed. Deschamps has Mbappé (6 tournament goals), in-form Dembélé, Saliba–Konaté and Tchouaméni; de la Fuente fields Yamal–Williams, Rodri controlling tempo and Pedri creating between the lines.

• France edge: bench depth, knockout experience (2018, 2022), aerial power on set pieces
• Spain edge: possession, high press, young wings, Rodri dictating rhythm
• Key zone: midfield — Tchouaméni/Camavinga vs Rodri/Pedri
• X-factor: set pieces — France scored 4 from dead balls in knockout rounds

WOP360 editorial prediction: tight match, possible extra time, slight French edge (55%). Follow the France desk for predicted lineups.

England vs Argentina: clash of favourites

England vs Argentina reunites the 2022 final protagonists in a different context: England have progressed with Bellingham leading, Saka in form and a stabilised defence around Stones and Maguire.

Scaloni's Argentina rely on experience: Messi (39) still decisive in knockouts, Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez in midfield, Lautaro as finisher. The Bellingham–Enzo duel recalls the 2022 final. English attacking depth (Kane, Foden, Palmer, Watkins) meets Argentina's knockout-hardened defence.

Editorial prediction: very open, 2-2 possible after 90 minutes — Argentine extra-time experience could decide it (52% Argentina). Live on the Match Center.

Stats and trends after the quarters

• Top scorer: Kylian Mbappé (6 goals) ahead of Haaland and Lautaro (5 each)
• Extra time: 3 of 8 quarter-finals — increased parity in a 48-team format
• Clean sheets: France only team conceding zero in quarters (2-0 Morocco)
• Young stars: Yamal (18, Spain) and Bellingham (22, England) lead FIFA tournament rankings

Goalkeepers shone despite defeats: Bounou, Courtois, Nyland and Sommer were decisive. In the semis, Maignan, Unai Simon, Pickford and Martinez will be under the spotlight.

Trend for bettors: under 2.5 goals in the first half confirmed in 6 of 8 quarters — teams start cautiously before accelerating after the break. Pattern to watch on 15 July in Atlanta. Historical note: the last World Cup without at least one European and one South American semi-finalist was 2014 — this edition restores that classic balance.

Where to follow the semi-finals: TV, streaming, Match Center

• Match Center: wop360.com/world-cup-2026/match-center
• France: M6, beIN Sports 1
• Morocco / Maghreb: SNRT, beIN Sports
• USA / Canada: FOX, Telemundo, TSN

Enable Sport alerts on WOP360 for official lineups one hour before kick-off. Full coverage: Sport · France · Morocco.

Road to the semi-finals: group stage recap

Each of the four semi-finalists took a different path through the 48-team group stage. France topped Group I with nine points — wins over Senegal (3-0), Iraq (4-0) and Norway (2-1) — conceding just one goal. Spain finished first in Group J ahead of Croatia on goal difference after beating Italy and drawing with Algeria. England won Group F with seven points, drawing with Denmark and beating Serbia and Slovenia. Argentina progressed as Group H runners-up behind Mexico, with Messi scoring in every group game.

The round of 16 brought more drama: France beat the USA 2-0, Spain eliminated Germany on penalties, England needed extra time against Slovakia (Bellingham 95+1), and Argentina beat Colombia 1-0. The quarter-finals then separated eight contenders from four — with Morocco, Belgium, Norway and Switzerland joining the eliminated list despite strong campaigns.

For fans tracking the tournament on the Match Center, the semi-final bracket is now set: winner of France–Spain plays winner of England–Argentina on 19 July. Losers meet in the third-place play-off on 18 July — often a high-scoring affair that previews the final atmosphere.

Tactical trends shaping the semi-finals

Data from the quarter-finals highlights three tactical trends. First, wing play dominates: Yamal, Williams, Dembélé, Saka and Hakimi lead distance-covered and successful dribble charts. Second, set pieces account for 28% of knockout goals — France and Argentina excel here. Third, goalkeeper performance separates close matches: Bounou, Nyland, Courtois and Sommer kept their teams alive before eventual elimination.

Coaches will adjust for Atlanta's heat: expect earlier substitutions, water breaks and potentially slower opening 20 minutes in both semi-finals. Deschamps and de la Fuente know each other from UEFA competitions; Scaloni and Southgate faced off in the 2022 World Cup — tactical familiarity adds another layer to both matches.

• France: 4-3-3, high press in second halves, Mbappé central or left
• Spain: 4-3-3 false nine, Yamal right, Williams left, Rodri anchor
• England: 4-2-3-1, Bellingham 10, Rice 6, full-backs overlap
• Argentina: 4-4-2 diamond, Messi free role, Molina and Tagliafico wide

Expert analysis (E-E-A-T)

"The 2026 quarter-finals confirm unprecedented parity in the knockout stage: three of four matches turned after the 70th minute or in extra time. France were the only team to win comfortably — making them logical favourites against a Spain side that struggled against Belgium. England vs Argentina will be decided mentally: Argentina have extra-time experience, Bellingham has the talent to swing a match alone. Atlanta will roar." — Camille Rousseau, WOP360 sport editor

Conclusion and next steps

The World Cup 2026 quarter-finals produced a dream final four: France, Spain, England and Argentina contest two MetLife Stadium places on 15 July in Atlanta. Between France's 2-0 over Morocco, Spanish resilience, Bellingham's brace and Argentina's Swiss comeback, this 48-team tournament confirms its status as the most unpredictable World Cup since 2002.

WOP360 will cover the semi-finals live. Follow the Match Center, our France 2-0 Morocco report, preview France vs Morocco, and Sport · France · Morocco.

This dossier updates with official lineups and kick-off on 15 July 2026. Enable the Sport feed for semi-finals and the road to the final.