Spain and France will renew one of international football’s biggest rivalries after both nations secured victories to book their places in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Spain left it late to overcome a resilient Belgium 2-1 in a thrilling quarter-final, while France comfortably dispatched Morocco 2-0 to become the first nation to reach the last four.At the MetLife Stadium, Spain looked to be in control after midfielder Fabián Ruiz broke the deadlock in the 30th minute with a composed finish.
Belgium, however, responded strongly, with Charles De Ketelaere drawing his side level 11 minutes later to set up an enthralling second half.As extra time loomed, Spain found the decisive breakthrough in dramatic fashion. Mikel Merino was perfectly positioned to fire home the winning goal in the 88th minute, sending La Roja into the semi-finals and breaking Belgian hearts.
De Ketelaere’s equaliser ultimately proved to be nothing more than a consolation as Spain celebrated a hard-fought victory.Earlier on Thursday, France became the first team to seal a place in the semi-finals after defeating African representatives Morocco 2-0 at Boston Stadium.
Kylian Mbappé once again led by example, opening the scoring before Ousmane Dembélé added a second to secure a comfortable victory for Les Bleus and end Morocco’s impressive World Cup campaign.The two European heavyweights will now square off in a blockbuster semi-final on Tuesday, with a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at stake.
Meanwhile, the remaining quarter-final fixtures will determine the other semi-final pairing.On Saturday, 11th July, Norway will face England at Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens, with both sides chasing a coveted place in the last four.
The final quarter-final will be played on Sunday when defending champions Argentina take on Switzerland at Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City.
The winner of the Norway-England clash will meet the victor between Argentina and Switzerland in the tournament’s second semi-final as the race for football’s biggest prize enters its decisive stage.
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