World Cup 2026 Quarterfinal Results: France, Spain Reach Semis

Yaar, what a 48 hours this has been. Two matches, two completely different stories: one clinical execution, one absolute heart-attack drama. Whether you caught it live or you’re catching up now, the World Cup 2026 Quarterfinal Results have handed us a semifinal almost nobody outside Madrid or Paris wanted this early.

Here’s the headline: France crushed Morocco 2-0, and a day later, Spain edged Belgium 2-1 in a match that needed a goalkeeping howler in the 88th minute to settle it. Both results are locked in, and it’s France vs Spain next, two of the tournament’s best sides, meeting three rounds before the final.

World Cup 2026 Quarterfinal Results at a Glance

France vs Morocco 2026: Les Bleus Make It Look Routine

The first of the two World Cup 2026 Quarterfinal Results came from Foxborough. Thursday’s quarterfinal at Gillette Stadium was billed as a rematch of the 2022 semifinal, and France treated it like one. Morocco had been the tournament’s feel-good story, riding a wave of momentum after knocking out Canada 3-0 in the round of 16.

The Penalty Miss That Almost Mattered

Kylian Mbappé missed a first-half penalty, the kind of moment that could unravel a lesser team. France barely blinked, though, and kept pushing forward as if nothing had happened.

Mbappé and Dembélé Seal It

Mbappé made up for the miss in the second half with a strike from the edge of the box, his eighth goal of the tournament, drawing him level with Lionel Messi atop the Golden Boot race. Ousmane Dembélé sealed it soon after, his fifth goal of the World Cup, and France 2-0 Morocco was done. France remains unbeaten through five matches, and they didn’t even need to be at their spectacular best against a side that had pushed deep into this tournament.

Spain vs Belgium 2026: The Match That Needed a Miracle

The second half of the World Cup 2026 Quarterfinal Results belonged to Los Angeles. Friday at SoFi Stadium, Spain vs Belgium 2026 started cagey.

Ruiz Breaks the Deadlock

Spain broke through in the 30th minute through Fabián Ruiz, making a surprise return to the lineup in place of Pedri. Dani Olmo’s shot was parried by Thibaut Courtois, and Ruiz reacted quickest, slamming home his first goal of the tournament.

De Ketelaere Answers Back

Belgium weren’t done, though. Just before halftime, Charles De Ketelaere rose above Pau Cubarsí to head home a cross from Timothy Castagne, levelling things at 1-1. It was the first goal Spain had conceded all tournament, breaking a run of 650 minutes for goalkeeper Unai Simón.

Merino Strikes in the 88th Minute

Then came the twist nobody saw coming. Courtois went down injured in the 73rd minute and was replaced by backup Senne Lammens. In the 88th minute, Lammens spilled a long-range effort from Pau Cubarsí, and Mikel Merino pounced on the rebound to smash it home. That Mikel Merino goal was his second winner in as many knockout games, having done almost the exact same thing against Portugal in the round of 16. Spain 2-1 Belgium, and La Roja were through. Coach Luis de la Fuente summed up what’s coming next: “It will be a clash of giants.”

World Cup 2026 Quarterfinal Highlights: Standout Players 

Some names refused to let these World Cup 2026 Quarterfinal Results pass them by:

• Kylian Mbappé – Missed a penalty, then answered with a stunning second-half strike, his eighth goal of the tournament. That goal pulled him level with Lionel Messi at 8-8 in the Golden Boot race, though Mbappé leads on assists (3 to Messi’s 1) and now sits on 20 World Cup goals all-time, just one behind Messi’s all-time record of 21. The Mbappe Dembele Morocco combination ended Morocco’s run.
• Ousmane Dembélé – His fifth goal of the tournament, sealing France’s spot in the last four.
• Mikel Merino – Now scored the winner in back-to-back knockout matches for Spain, arguably the biggest impact off any bench this tournament.
• Charles De Ketelaere – His third goal kept Belgium alive until the very end.
• Thibaut Courtois – Walked off in tears after an apparent hip injury, possibly his final World Cup appearance.
• Lamine Yamal – Didn’t score, but was named Man of the Match, constantly stretching Belgium’s defense.

Quarterfinal Stats Comparison

France Spain Semi Final: What to Expect

The France Spain semi final is set for Tuesday, July 14, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and this might be the actual final happening three rounds too early. You can check the full matchday details on FIFA’s official site.

This isn’t a fresh rivalry. Spain beat France 2-1 in the 2024 European Championship semifinal, with Yamal and Olmo doing the damage. Then in the 2025 Nations League semifinal, Spain edged France again, 5-4, with Yamal scoring twice. France will want to break that pattern, and with Mbappé in this form, it’s genuinely impossible to call.

Pakistani Fans Ke Liye: Timings and Predictions

Because of the time difference, the France vs Spain semifinal kicking off at 3 PM ET on Tuesday translates to roughly midnight on the night between Tuesday and Wednesday in Pakistan. It’s a late one, but for a match this big, staying up feels justified.

My prediction? France looks like the tournament’s most complete side, unbeaten and clinical. Spain, though, has shown twice now they can win even when the game isn’t going their way, and Merino off the bench is not something France can afford to ignore. I’d lean France by the smallest margin, but wouldn’t be shocked either way. 

If you want to see how we called this bracket before a ball was kicked, our quarterfinals preview breaks down all four matchups and the road to the final. ESPN’s bracket tracker is also worth bookmarking if you want live updates as the semifinals approach.

Conclusion: Who’s Your Pick?

Two brutal quarterfinals down, and the World Cup 2026 Quarterfinal Results have made this tournament a whole lot more serious. France look like the team to beat, but Spain keep finding late goals exactly when they need them.

So tell us, who wins France vs Spain? Drop your prediction in the comments below.

Written by the Chokus.pk Sports Desk. Last updated July 11, 2026, based on official match reports from FIFA and post-match press conferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the World Cup 2026 Quarterfinal Results?

France beat Morocco 2-0 on July 9, and Spain beat Belgium 2-1 on July 10. Both winners advance to face each other in the semifinal.

Who scored for France against Morocco?

Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé scored for France in their 2-0 win over Morocco, with Mbappé also missing a first-half penalty.

Who scored the winning goal for Spain against Belgium?

Mikel Merino scored the 88th-minute winner for Spain, pouncing on a rebound after Belgium goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to hold a long-range shot.

When is the France vs Spain semifinal?

The semifinal is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, kicking off at 3 PM ET.

What time is the France vs Spain semifinal in Pakistan?

The match kicks off at approximately midnight (12 AM PKT) on the night between Tuesday and Wednesday in Pakistan.

Why did Thibaut Courtois leave the Spain vs Belgium match?

Courtois was substituted in the 73rd minute after appearing to injure his hip, potentially marking his final World Cup appearance for Belgium.

Who was named Man of the Match in Spain vs Belgium?

Lamine Yamal was named Man of the Match for Spain, despite not scoring, for his constant creative threat down the right flank.

Has Spain beaten France before in a major tournament?

Yes. Spain beat France 2-1 in the 2024 European Championship semifinal and won 5-4 in the 2025 Nations League semifinal.