2026 FIFA World Cup Quarter-Finals: Four Giants Advance After Thrilling Knockout Battles

France, Spain, England, and Argentina secured their places in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals after winning their quarter-final matches played between July 9 and July 11 across Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, and Kansas City in North America. The final eight teams battled for a place in the last four after an eventful Round of 16, with each nation aiming to move one step closer to lifting football's biggest prize.

France End Morocco's Dream Run

France became the first semi-finalist after defeating Morocco 2-0 at Boston Stadium. The French side controlled the match from start to finish, preventing Morocco from creating dangerous counter-attacks and ending the African nation's hopes of another historic World Cup run.

France had reached the quarter-finals with a 1-0 victory over Paraguay, while Morocco had comfortably defeated co-hosts Canada 3-0 in the Round of 16.

Spain Eliminate Belgium

Spain continued their title pursuit with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Belgium in Los Angeles. Their patient possession game gradually broke down Belgium's defense, allowing the former world champions to progress to the semi-finals.

Spain entered the match after eliminating Portugal 1-0, while Belgium had produced an impressive 4-1 win over the United States in the previous round.

England Prevail After Extra Time

England overcame tournament surprise package Norway 2-1 after extra time in Miami following a closely contested encounter. The match remained level after 90 minutes before England's experience proved decisive during the additional period.

England had earlier defeated Mexico 3-2 in an entertaining Round of 16 clash, while Norway stunned five-time champions Brazil 2-1 to book their place in the quarter-finals.

Argentina Survive Swiss Challenge

Defending champions Argentina secured the final semi-final berth with a dramatic 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland in Kansas City after the match ended 1-1 in regulation time.

Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring in the 10th minute before Dan Ndoye equalized in the 67th minute. Switzerland's task became more difficult after Breel Embolo was sent off in the 72nd minute, allowing Argentina to capitalize through Julián Alvarez's 112th-minute goal and Lautaro Martínez's stoppage-time strike in extra time.

Argentina had reached the quarter-finals after a 3-2 comeback win over Egypt, while Switzerland advanced by defeating Colombia 4-3 on penalties following a goalless draw.

Semi-Final Line-Up Confirmed

With the quarter-finals complete, France, Spain, England, and Argentina have officially advanced to the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The four remaining nations will now compete for a place in the tournament's final as the race for football's biggest prize enters its decisive stage.