World Cup 2026: France, Spain, England, Argentina book semi-final spots

The quarter-final stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially concluded, leaving just four nations in the race for football’s biggest prize after a series of thrilling knockout encounters.

France secured the first semi-final berth with a disciplined 2-0 victory over Morocco, ending the Atlas Lions’ remarkable tournament run. Spain followed with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Belgium in a match that showcased the Spanish side’s composure under pressure.

The final two quarter-finals delivered more drama. England edged Norway 2-1 to continue their impressive campaign, while defending champions Argentina overcame Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in a fiercely contested encounter. Lionel Scaloni’s side displayed resilience and quality to keep alive their hopes of retaining the World Cup title.

With the quarter-finals complete, the tournament now moves into an eagerly anticipated semi-final stage featuring four of international football’s biggest powers.

The first semi-final will see France face Spain on Tuesday, July 14, in what promises to be a tactical battle between two European heavyweights. France will rely on their attacking quality and tournament experience, while Spain will aim to continue their possession-based approach that has carried them this far.

The second semi-final, scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, pits England against defending champions Argentina. The fixture is expected to be one of the tournament’s standout matches, with England seeking a return to the World Cup final and Argentina hoping to take another step toward successfully defending their crown.

As the competition enters its final week, anticipation continues to build among football fans worldwide. With only four teams remaining, every match carries enormous significance, and the race to lift the FIFA World Cup trophy is expected to produce unforgettable moments.

The winners of the two semi-finals will advance to the final on July 19, while the defeated teams will compete in the third-place playoff on July 18.