1st semi final was a blast both teams played well

Spain 2–0 France — A Champion's Performance

Spain produced one of their most complete displays of the tournament, defeating France 2–0 to book their place in the World Cup final. From the opening whistle, Spain controlled the tempo with their trademark possession game, while also showing a more direct attacking edge than in previous tournaments.

What stood out

• Midfield dominance: Spain's midfield dictated possession, limiting France's opportunities to launch quick counterattacks. France struggled to win second balls and build sustained attacks.
• Clinical finishing: Spain made their chances count. Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the penalty spot after a foul on Lamine Yamal, and Pedro Porro added a well-taken second goal after an excellent team move.
• Defensive discipline: France's star attackers, led by Kylian Mbappé, found very little space. Spain's back line stayed compact and rarely looked under serious pressure.

The controversial moment

Just before halftime, the referee initially awarded France a dangerous free kick before reversing the decision. Many viewers believed VAR had intervened, but officials later clarified that the assistant referee had advised the change because the original foul decision was incorrect. The incident sparked widespread debate but had little impact on the final outcome.

France's shortcomings

France never matched their attacking performances from earlier in the tournament. Their pressing lacked intensity, the midfield was overrun, and they created few clear-cut chances. Tactical changes in the second half failed to shift the momentum.

Player of the Match

For me, Lamine Yamal was the standout performer. Although he didn't score, his movement, dribbling, and creativity constantly troubled the French defense and earned the penalty that broke the deadlock.

Overall rating

• Spain: 9.5/10 — composed, efficient, and worthy finalists.
• France: 6/10 — below their usual standard and second-best in every key area.

Spain looked every bit like a World Cup-winning side: tactically intelligent, technically outstanding, and composed under pressure. If they reproduce this level in the final, they will be difficult to beat.

Argentina into the semi finals

2026 FIFA World Cup Quarter-final: Argentina 3–1 Switzerland (after extra time)

This was one of Argentina’s toughest tests of the tournament. The defending champions eventually reached the semi-finals, but Switzerland pushed them all the way in a match that remained level after 90 minutes.  

Match summary

• 10’ – Alexis Mac Allister headed Argentina into the lead from a Lionel Messi corner.
• 67’ – Dan Ndoye equalized for Switzerland after a determined second-half display.
• 90 minutes: 1–1, forcing extra time.
• 112’ – Julián Álvarez restored Argentina’s lead with a clinical finish.
• 120+1’ – Lautaro Martínez sealed the victory on the counterattack, making it 3–1.  

Tactical review

Argentina

• Controlled possession for long periods but struggled to break Switzerland’s disciplined defensive block.
• Messi orchestrated attacks and provided the assist for the opening goal, though Switzerland limited his influence for much of the match.
• Scaloni’s substitutes added energy, and Álvarez’s movement proved decisive in extra time.
• The champions showed resilience, even if the performance wasn’t their most convincing.  

Switzerland

• Defended with excellent organization and countered intelligently.
• Granit Xhaka dictated midfield while Ndoye constantly threatened on the break.
• After equalizing, the Swiss looked capable of forcing penalties before tiring in extra time.
• Their World Cup ended with plenty of credit for a courageous display.  

Key performers

⭐ Alexis Mac Allister – Opened the scoring and worked tirelessly in midfield.

⭐ Lionel Messi – Produced the assist for the first goal and remained Argentina’s creative hub.

⭐ Julián Álvarez – Scored the crucial extra-time winner.

⭐ Lautaro Martínez – Clinched the match with the third goal.

⭐ Dan Ndoye – Switzerland’s standout player, scoring the equalizer and causing Argentina problems throughout.  

Match rating

• Entertainment: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
• Tactical quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)
• Drama: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Overall: 9.5/10

Argentina advanced to the semi-finals, where they are set to face England, while Switzerland departed with their reputation enhanced after pushing the world champions to extra time.  

Courtesy the guardian 

3rd quarter final FIFA World Cup 2026

England 2–1 Norway (AET) – Quarter-final Review

England reached the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, but it took a dramatic extra-time comeback to overcome an outstanding Norway side.  

Match summary

• Norway struck first in the 36th minute through Andreas Schjelderup, who surprised Jordan Pickford with a fierce effort after England failed to deal with the attack.
• England responded just before half-time when Jude Bellingham equalized, ensuring the teams went into the break level despite Norway having looked the more dangerous side.  
• Early in extra time, Bellingham pounced on a goalkeeping error from Ørjan Nyland to score his second of the night and give England a 2–1 lead.
• Norway pushed hard for another equalizer, but England defended resolutely to book their place in the last four.  

Key talking points

• ⭐ Player of the Match: Jude Bellingham. His brace and tireless midfield display carried England through a difficult contest.  
• 🇳🇴 Norway impressed. Martin Ødegaard orchestrated play well, while Erling Haaland remained a constant threat, although one Norwegian goal was disallowed for a foul in the build-up.  
• ⚖️ Controversy: The match featured several VAR incidents, including debate over England’s equalizer and a late penalty review, leaving many Norway supporters frustrated after the final whistle.  

Tactical verdict
Norway executed an excellent game plan with aggressive pressing and quick transitions, making England uncomfortable for long periods. Thomas Tuchel’s substitutions and tactical tweaks eventually shifted momentum, while Bellingham’s ability to arrive in the box proved decisive. England showed resilience rather than dominance, whereas Norway exited the tournament with plenty of credit for their performance.  

Spain and Belgium excellent match

Spain defeated Belgium 2–1 to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, where they will face France.  

Match Review

Spain controlled possession from the opening whistle, using their midfield to dictate the tempo. Their pressure paid off in the 30th minute, when Fabián Ruiz scored after reacting quickest to a rebound. Belgium, however, responded impressively, and Charles De Ketelaere equalized just before half-time with a well-taken header.  

The second half was much more open. Belgium looked dangerous on the counterattack, while Spain continued to create chances through the creativity of Lamine Yamal and the composure of their midfield. A turning point came when Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off injured in the 71st minute.  

With the match heading toward extra time, Spain found the breakthrough in the 88th minute. Substitute Mikel Merino capitalized on a spilled effort by Belgium’s replacement goalkeeper to score the decisive goal and send Spain into the last four.  

Player Ratings

• ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ Mikel Merino (Spain): Match-winning substitute.
• ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fabián Ruiz (Spain): Controlled midfield and opened the scoring.
• ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Lamine Yamal (Spain): Constant attacking threat and excellent creativity.
• ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Charles De Ketelaere (Belgium): Belgium’s standout performer with the equalizer.
• ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Pau Cubarsí (Spain): Excellent defensive display under pressure.  

Tactical Analysis

• Spain dominated possession and patiently built attacks.
• Belgium defended compactly and relied on quick transitions.
• Spain’s bench made the difference, with Merino providing the winning moment.
• Courtois’ injury reduced Belgium’s defensive stability late in the game.  

Overall Verdict

Spain 2–1 Belgium

Match Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9/10)

It was one of the best matches of the tournament so far—high quality, tactically engaging, and decided by a dramatic late winner. Spain deserved the victory for their sustained attacking play and now head into a blockbuster semi-final against France.  

FIFA World Cup 2026 – First Quarterfinal Review: France 2–0 Morocco

France became the first team to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals with a composed 2–0 victory over Morocco in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Kylian Mbappé once again proved decisive, overcoming an earlier missed penalty to inspire the defending champions.

Match Summary

• Result: France 2–0 Morocco
• Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
• Goals:
  • ⚽ 60' – Kylian Mbappé
  • ⚽ 66' – Ousmane Dembélé

Key Moments

• Morocco frustrated France during the first half with disciplined defending.
• Mbappé's first-half penalty was delayed by a lengthy VAR review and was ultimately saved, but he responded brilliantly after the break.

Tactical Analysis

• France: Controlled possession, pressed aggressively, and relied on the pace and creativity of Mbappé and Dembélé to stretch Morocco's defense.
• Morocco: Stayed compact for much of the match and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made several important saves, but the team struggled to create clear scoring chances.

Player of the Match

Kylian Mbappé

• 1 goal
• 1 assist
• Constant attacking threat despite the earlier penalty setback.

Overall Verdict

France delivered another polished tournament performance. Morocco defended bravely but could not contain France's attacking quality once the breakthrough arrived. With Mbappé in outstanding form, France strengthened its credentials as one of the favorites to win the 2026 FIFA World

In the 60th minute, Mbappé produced a superb solo effort to break the deadlock.

Just six minutes later, he helped create the second goal, finished by Dembélé, effectively sealing France's place in the semifinals.

what to expect in the world cup 2026 as it enters the last leg

The quarter-finals begin with just eight teams left, and every match has a compelling storyline. This stage often decides the true title favorites.

🇫🇷 France vs 🇲🇦 Morocco (9 July)

What to expect

• A rematch of the memorable 2022 World Cup semi-final.
• France will look to dominate possession and rely on the pace and finishing of Kylian Mbappé.
• Morocco will defend compactly and try to hit France on the counterattack through Achraf Hakimi and quick transitions.
• This could be a tight, low-scoring contest.

Key battle: Mbappé vs Hakimi

Prediction: France 2–1 Morocco (after a close game)

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🇪🇸 Spain vs 🇧🇪 Belgium (10 July)

What to expect

• Spain have been one of the tournament's strongest defensive teams.
• Belgium have rediscovered their attacking form and scored four goals in the Round of 16.
• Spain's patient passing game will be tested by Belgium's physicality and quick breaks.

Key battle: Rodri vs Kevin De Bruyne

Prediction: Spain 1–0 Belgium

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🏴 England vs 🇳🇴 Norway (11 July)

What to expect

• England's experience meets Norway's fearless attack.
• Erling Haaland has been in outstanding form, while Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham lead England.
• Expect an open game with plenty of chances.

Key battle: Haaland vs England's defence

Prediction: England 2–1 Norway (possibly after extra time)

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🇦🇷 Argentina vs 🇨🇭 Switzerland (11 July)

What to expect

• Argentina remain one of the favourites with Lionel Messi leading the tournament in goals.
• Switzerland are organised, disciplined, and difficult to break down.
• Argentina are likely to control possession, while Switzerland will look for opportunities from set pieces and counterattacks.

Key battle: Messi vs Granit Xhaka

Prediction: Argentina 2–0 Switzerland

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⭐ Players to Watch

• 🇦🇷 Lionel Messi
• 🇫🇷 Kylian Mbappé
• 🇳🇴 Erling Haaland
• 🏴 Harry Kane
• 🇪🇸 Lamine Yamal
• 🇧🇪 Kevin De Bruyne
• 🇲🇦 Achraf Hakimi

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My predicted semi-finals

• 🇫🇷 France vs 🇪🇸 Spain
• 🏴 England vs 🇦🇷 Argentina

If these predictions come true, the semi-finals would feature four of the world's biggest football powers, setting up the possibility of an Argentina vs France or Argentina vs Spain final.

WITH PICTURES

📸 2026 FIFA World Cup Quarter-Finals – What to Expect

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The quarter-finals feature a mix of football giants and surprise contenders. Every match has its own story, tactical battle, and superstar players.

🇫🇷 France vs 🇲🇦 Morocco (9 July)

Storyline

• A repeat of the memorable 2022 World Cup semi-final.
• France bring one of the tournament's most dangerous attacks.
• Morocco are aiming to become the first African nation to reach another World Cup semi-final after their remarkable run.

Players to watch

• ⭐ Kylian Mbappé
• ⭐ Ousmane Dembélé
• ⭐ Achraf Hakimi
• ⭐ Yassine Bounou

What to expect

• France controlling possession.
• Morocco defending deep and attacking on the counter.
• A fast, physical contest.

Prediction: 🇫🇷 France 2–1 Morocco

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🇪🇸 Spain vs 🇧🇪 Belgium (10 July)

4

Storyline

• Spain have looked exceptionally organized in defence.
• Belgium arrive full of confidence after an emphatic Round of 16 victory.

Players to watch

• ⭐ Lamine Yamal
• ⭐ Rodri
• ⭐ Kevin De Bruyne
• ⭐ Charles De Ketelaere

What to expect

• Spain's patient passing.
• Belgium's direct counterattacks.
• A tactical battle decided by midfield control.

Prediction: 🇪🇸 Spain 1–0 Belgium

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🏴 England vs 🇳🇴 Norway (11 July)

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Storyline

• England's tournament experience meets Norway's fearless attack.
• Norway are enjoying their best-ever World Cup run.
• Erling Haaland has been one of the tournament's standout scorers.

Players to watch

• ⭐ Harry Kane
• ⭐ Jude Bellingham
• ⭐ Erling Haaland
• ⭐ Martin Ødegaard

What to expect

• Plenty of goals.
• Physical football.
• One of the most entertaining quarter-finals.

Prediction: 🏴 England 2–1 Norway (after extra time)

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🇦🇷 Argentina vs 🇨🇭 Switzerland (11 July)

4

Storyline

• Lionel Messi continues his pursuit of another World Cup title.
• Switzerland have quietly become one of the tournament's toughest teams to beat.
• Argentina possess more attacking quality, but Switzerland are disciplined and dangerous from set pieces.

Players to watch

• ⭐ Lionel Messi
• ⭐ Enzo Fernández
• ⭐ Granit Xhaka
• ⭐ Johan Manzambi

Prediction: 🇦🇷 Argentina 2–0 Switzerland

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🌟 Players Most Likely to Shine

Player	Team	Why
Lionel Messi	🇦🇷 Argentina	Tournament's leading scorer and creator
Kylian Mbappé	🇫🇷 France	Pace, finishing, and big-match experience
Erling Haaland	🇳🇴 Norway	Clinical goal scorer
Harry Kane	🏴 England	Leadership and finishing
Lamine Yamal	🇪🇸 Spain	Creative spark and dribbling
Kevin De Bruyne	🇧🇪 Belgium	Elite passing and vision

🏆 Predicted Semi-finals

• 🇫🇷 France vs 🇪🇸 Spain
• 🏴 England vs 🇦🇷 Argentina

If those predictions hold, fans could be treated to a blockbuster finish, with the possibility of an Argentina vs France or Argentina vs Spain final.

 a visual summary of the 2026 FIFA World Cup up to the quarter-finals.

🏆 The Final 8 Teams

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4

🔥 Biggest Shock: Norway Eliminates Brazil

6

Norway 1–0 Brazil became one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.

🐐 Lionel Messi Leads Argentina

6

Messi has been the standout player so far, driving Argentina into the quarter-finals.

⚡ Spain: The Defensive Machine

6

Spain knocked out Portugal and have looked extremely solid defensively.

🦁 England Survive a Thriller

7

England 3–2 Mexico was one of the most entertaining matches of the knockout stage.

🌍 Morocco Continue Their Fairytale

5

After their historic 2022 run, Morocco are back in the quarter-finals again.

📊 Quarter-Final Matchups

🏆 Quarter-finals (9–11 July 2026)

🇫🇷 France

vs

🇲🇦 Morocco

🇪🇸 Spain

vs

🇧🇪 Belgium

🇳🇴 Norway

vs

🏴 England

🇦🇷 Argentina

vs

🇨🇭 Switzerland

⭐ Current Tournament Favourites

Rank	Team	Why
1	🇦🇷 Argentina	Messi in top form
2	🇫🇷 France	Strong attack and experience
3	🇪🇸 Spain	Best defensive record
4	🏴 England	Strong squad depth
5	🇧🇪 Belgium	Excellent recent form

🏅 Top Storylines

• 🐐 Messi chasing a second World Cup title

• ⚡ Erling Haaland carrying Norway to an unprecedented run

• 🦁 England aiming to end decades of World Cup frustration

• 🌍 Morocco trying to become the first African team ever to reach a World Cup final

• 🔒 Spain still looking like the tournament’s most balanced team

🎯 My Prediction (based on current form)

Likely Final

🇦🇷 Argentina

vs

🇪🇸 Spain

Current favourite: 🇦🇷 Argentina

If Argentina win, Messi would become one of the very few players in history to win multiple World Cups as the central star of his team.

That’s the World Cup story so far in one picture-heavy snapshot. 📸⚽