Credit: Ali Sahib, Chronicle.lu
On Sunday 12 July 2026, the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 concluded, determining the four nations that will contest the semi-finals.
Chronicle.lu has prepared an overview of the quarter-final action and the semi-final line-up. Europe (UEFA) remains the dominant confederation with three representatives - England, France and Spain - while defending champions Argentina continue South America's (CONMEBOL) title defence. Africa's (CAF) historic run came to an end with Morocco's elimination, leaving the semi-finals without an African representative for the first time since the tournament began.
France End Morocco's Historic Run
France became the first team to book a semi-final place after defeating Morocco 2-0 in Boston on Thursday 9 July 2026. Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring on the hour mark before Ousmane Dembélé doubled the advantage six minutes later, ending the Atlas Lions' impressive campaign. Mbappé's strike was his eighth goal of the tournament, drawing him level with Argentina captain Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot.
France will now face Spain in the first semi-final, scheduled for 21:00 on Tuesday 14 July 2026 at Dallas Stadium.
Spain Leave It Late Again Against Belgium
Spain secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium in Los Angeles on Friday 10 July 2026 to continue their title challenge. Fabián Ruiz gave La Roja an early lead before Charles De Ketelaere equalised before half-time for the Red Devils.
With extra time looming, Mikel Merino once again proved Spain's hero, scoring the winning goal in the 88th minute - just as he had delivered the decisive strike in stoppage time against Portugal in the Round of 16.
Bellingham Sends England Through
England booked their place in the semi-finals after overcoming Norway 2-1 on Saturday 11 July 2026. Andreas Schjelderup gave Norway the lead midway through the first half, but Jude Bellingham turned the match around with goals either side of half-time, scoring in first-half stoppage time before netting the winner in the 93rd minute.
Jude Bellingham's brace proved decisive as the Three Lions reached the last four for the first time since the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where they were beaten 2-0 by Belgium in the third-place play-off. England will now meet current champions Argentina at 21:00 on Wednesday 15 July 2026 at Atlanta Stadium.
Argentina Prevail After Extra Time Again
Reigning world champions Argentina were taken to extra time for the second consecutive knockout match, following their 120-minute victory over Cape Verde in the Round of 32, before defeating Switzerland 3-1 after extra time.
Alexis Mac Allister gave Argentina an early lead before Dan Ndoye equalised for Switzerland. Breel Embolo was then sent off in the 72nd minute, but despite playing with a numerical advantage Argentina could not find a winner in normal time. Julián Álvarez restored the Albiceleste's lead in the 112th minute before Lautaro Martínez sealed victory in stoppage time of extra time.
Although Lionel Messi did not score, he provided another assist to set a new FIFA World Cup record with ten assists across World Cup tournaments. The Argentina captain also remains level with Kylian Mbappé on eight goals in the race to finish as the tournament's leading scorer.
