It is the last eight. The FIFA World Cup 2026™ quarter-finals are here, and the tournament just delivered its first major result of the knockout rounds. France are in the semi-finals. Three quarter-finals remain. The field is thinning, and what is left is extraordinary.
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Today’s Result — France 2–0 Morocco
France opened the quarter-final programme with a statement. Kylian Mbappé broke the deadlock in the 60th minute with a curling finish into the top corner — his 8th goal of the tournament, drawing level with Messi at the top of the Golden Boot standings. Ousmane Dembélé doubled the lead six minutes later, and France won 2-0 at the Boston Stadium.
The scoreline flatters France somewhat. Yassine Bounou was outstanding for Morocco — saving a penalty from Mbappé in the first half, blocking Désiré Doué’s low drive in the 35th minute, and watching Lucas Digne’s thunderous long-range effort rattle the crossbar in added time. Morocco held France to a draw for a full hour before the dam broke. They leave this tournament with their heads held high.
The one concern from France’s camp: Mbappé was withdrawn in the 77th minute and was seen on the bench with an ice pack on his ankle. With a semi-final now approaching, the fitness of the tournament’s most dangerous forward is the story to watch.
What’s Still to Come — Three Quarter-Finals Remaining
Spain vs Belgium kicks off tomorrow — July 11, 12:30 AM IST — at the Los Angeles Stadium. Spain have conceded zero goals in this tournament. Belgium have Romelu Lukaku waiting on the bench, having scored three crucial late goals so far. Rodri versus Belgium’s double pivot is the tactical battle of the week.
Then on July 12, two quarter-finals on the same day. Norway face England at the Miami Stadium at 2:30 AM IST — the underdog story of the tournament against one of the heavyweights. Erling Haaland against England’s defensive line. The last ten minutes of Norway’s match against Brazil are all the evidence you need that this tie is not settled until the final whistle.
Argentina vs Switzerland follows on the same day — Kansas City Stadium, 6:30 AM IST. Argentina have been stretched to the brink at multiple points in this tournament, only to rescue themselves with brilliance. Switzerland, having beaten Colombia on penalties, are compact, organised, and extremely difficult to break down. It should be tense.
The Semi-Finals Taking Shape
France know they are in. Their semi-final opponent will be either Spain or Belgium — the winner of tomorrow’s match in Los Angeles. That semi-final is scheduled for July 15 at the Dallas Stadium, 12:30 AM IST.
The second semi-final, at the Atlanta Stadium on July 16 at 12:30 AM IST, will be contested by the winners of the Norway vs England and Argentina vs Switzerland matches. Four nations remain in the running for that slot. Each of them — for very different reasons — genuinely believes they can reach the final in New York.
Twenty-four hours ago, 8 teams remained. Now there are 7. By July 13, there will be 4. The FIFA World Cup 2026™ is entering its final, defining phase.
Spain vs Belgium — tomorrow, July 11, 12:30 AM IST, live on ZEE 5. The quarter-finals continue.
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