The FIFA World Cup 2026 has reached its decisive stage, with only four teams remaining in the race for football’s biggest prize. After a series of gripping quarter-final encounters, France, Spain, England and Argentina have secured their places in the semi-finals, edging closer to lifting the coveted trophy.
The first semi-final, scheduled for July 14, will see France take on Spain in a blockbuster European showdown. The following day, defending champions Argentina will meet England in another highly anticipated clash, with a place in the World Cup final at stake.
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France sealed their semi-final berth with a commanding 2-0 victory over Morocco. After a tightly contested first half, Kylian Mbappé broke the deadlock in the 60th minute before Ousmane Dembélé doubled the advantage six minutes later to send Les Bleus through.
Spain also progressed after defeating Belgium 2-1. Fabián Ruiz gave Spain the lead in the 30th minute, but Charles De Ketelaere restored parity before halftime. With extra time looming, Mikel Merino struck in the 88th minute to book Spain’s place in the last four.
England survived a stern challenge from Norway in one of the tournament’s most dramatic matches. Andreas Schjelderup handed Norway the lead before Jude Bellingham equalised in first-half stoppage time. With the game extending into extra time, Bellingham scored again in the 93rd minute to complete England’s comeback and secure a 2-1 victory.
Argentina rounded off the quarter-finals with a 3-1 extra-time win over Switzerland. Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring early, but Dan Ndoye equalised in the 67th minute to force extra time. Julián Álvarez restored Argentina’s lead in the 112th minute before Lautaro Martínez added a late third to confirm the South American side’s passage into the semi-finals.
With four footballing powerhouses still standing, the race to become world champions enters its most exciting phase.
