Quarter-final matchups and key players
Quarter-final matchups and key players
The World Cup 2026 has progressed to the quarter-final stage, featuring four compelling matches. Six European teams, alongside one from Africa and one from South America, are competing for a spot in the semi-finals. These games are crucial for determining the path to the final on July 19.
The quarter-finals began on Thursday, July 9, with France defeating Morocco 2-0 in Foxborough, USA. This match was a rematch of a 2022 semi-final. Morocco, who reached the last four in Qatar, presented a significant challenge for France. Kylian Mbappe remains a key player for France, continuing his pursuit of the Golden Boot.
Morocco has not lost in their past 34 matches, though they have never beaten France, who have won seven consecutive games and 11 of their last 12. Half of France‘s World Cup defeats this century have been against African teams.
On Friday, July 10, Spain will face Belgium in Los Angeles, USA, with an 8pm UK time kick-off. Belgium has scored 13 goals in the tournament, with Romelu Lukaku contributing three goals and Leandro Trossard providing two goals and two assists. Spain, however, has yet to concede a goal in the tournament, maintaining six consecutive clean sheets, which is the longest run by any side in World Cup history. Under Luis de la Fuente, Spain has progressed from all six of their World Cup or European Championship knockout games.
Spain is unbeaten against Belgium in 11 appearances, having won nine and drawn two. Belgium‘s last victory against Spain in a World Cup quarter-final was in 1986, decided by penalties.
Upcoming fixtures and player battles
Saturday, July 11, will feature Norway against England in Miami, USA, kicking off at 10pm UK time. This match highlights a significant striker duel between Erling Haaland of Norway and Harry Kane of England. Haaland has scored seven goals in four World Cup games, including two against Brazil in the last 16. He has 62 goals in 54 international appearances and has scored in 14 consecutive games for his country, with 27 goals during that period.
Harry Kane, the England captain, is one goal behind Haaland in the Golden Boot race. He scored the winning penalty against Mexico. England is participating in their 11th World Cup quarter-final, having won three of their previous games at this stage. Norway, on the other hand, is making their first appearance in a World Cup quarter-final.
The final quarter-final match will be on Sunday, July 12, between Argentina and Switzerland in Kansas City, USA, with a 2am UK time kick-off. Argentina, the reigning champions, have faced challenges in their knockout games, including being pushed to extra time by Cape Verde and achieving a late comeback against Egypt. Switzerland, under Murat Yakin, has proven to be a resilient opponent.
Lionel Messi of Argentina missed two penalties at a World Cup, though his later goal put him ahead of Mbappe in the Golden Boot race with eight goals.
Path to the final
The semi-final matches are scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, and Wednesday, July 15. The first semi-final, on July 14, will see France play either Spain or Belgium at 8pm UK time in Arlington, USA. The second semi-final, on July 15, will feature the winner of the Norway/England match against the winner of the Argentina/Switzerland match, also at 8pm UK time, in Atlanta, USA.
The World Cup 2026 final is set for Sunday, July 19, at 8pm UK time in New Jersey, USA, where the winners of the two semi-finals will compete for the trophy.
The World Cup fixture schedule provides a day-by-day guide to all the matches.
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Source: skysports.com
