France faces Spain in a highly anticipated European summit, and England clashes with Argentina after the curtain falls on the quarter-finals

The 2026 World Cup has reached one of its most exciting stages, with the completion of the four teams qualified for the semi-finals, following the conclusion of the quarter-final matches that witnessed strong competition and tough decisions in more than one game.

The teams of France, Spain, England, and Argentina have secured their places among the final four, bringing the tournament into its decisive phase with two matches featuring four of the top contenders for the world title.

The English team booked its seat in the semi-finals after defeating Norway 2-1, ending the historic journey of Erling Haaland’s teammates, and continuing the dream of winning the title for the first time since 1966.

England will face Argentina, who overcame Switzerland 3-1 after a tough match that extended into extra time, before the defending champions imposed their superiority and secured the qualification ticket.

On the other side, France qualified after beating Morocco 2-0, while Spain overcame Belgium 2-1, setting up a heavyweight European summit.

Quarter-final results

France 2-0 Morocco
Spain 2-1 Belgium
England 2-1 Norway
Argentina 3-1 Switzerland after extra time

Thus, the semi-final lineup is officially complete, with only four matches remaining until the end of the tournament: the two semi-final matches, the third-place playoff, and the awaited final.

France and Spain.. A European summit for the final ticket

The French team and their Spanish counterparts open the semi-final stage, in a match that brings together France’s experience in knockout rounds and Spain’s renewed ambition to return to the global podium.

Both teams have shown strong performances throughout the tournament, as France demonstrated a clear ability to manage difficult matches and benefit from their attacking speed, while Spain relied on possession, collective movement, and high pressing.

The match carries a special technical battle between France’s attacking strength led by Kylian Mbappé, and a young Spanish system that succeeded in overcoming Portugal and Belgium on their way to the semi-finals.

Match schedule

Match: France × Spain
Stage: 2026 World Cup semi-final
Date: Tuesday, July 14
Time: 3 PM Toronto time, 10 PM Mecca and Moscow time

The winner will advance directly to the final, while the loser will move to the third-place playoff.

England and Argentina.. A historic clash with different ambitions

The second semi-final match brings together England and Argentina, in a meeting that carries a long history of rivalry and exciting football memories between the two teams.

England enters the match with the ambition to end a wait of nearly six decades since their only title in 1966, after showing the ability to settle tough matches against Mexico and then Norway.

As for Argentina, they continue their campaign to defend their title, having survived a tough test against Egypt in the round of 16, then needing extra time to overcome Switzerland in the quarter-finals.

The match offers fans an anticipated showdown between the experience of Lionel Messi and the strength of the Argentine team on one side, and the English ambition led by a generation including Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and several of the tournament’s top stars on the other.

Match schedule

Match: England × Argentina
Stage: 2026 World Cup semi-final
Date: Wednesday, July 15
Time: 3 PM Toronto time, 10 PM Mecca and Moscow time

The Golden Boot race heats up

Alongside the teams’ race for the title, the competition for the Golden Boot intensifies as the tournament reaches its final stages.

Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé lead the top scorers race with eight goals each, adding an individual dimension to the semi-final matches alongside the collective battle for qualification.

Erling Haaland comes next with seven goals, but he left the tournament with the Norwegian team, giving Messi and Mbappé a chance to widen the gap.

Harry Kane continues to chase the lead with six goals, while Ousmane Dembélé has five goals before the France-Spain match.

Top scorers ranking

Lionel Messi – Argentina: 8 goals
Kylian Mbappé – France: 8 goals
Erling Haaland – Norway: 7 goals
Harry Kane – England: 6 goals
Ousmane Dembélé – France: 5 goals

With only four teams remaining, the tournament enters its decisive days amid an open possibility for a purely European final, a Europe vs. South America showdown, or a replay of one of the biggest historical rivalries in world football.

France seeks to continue its frequent presence in the final stages, Spain aims to reclaim the title after a long absence, England looks to end decades of waiting, while Argentina fights to retain its world crown.

Between the France-Spain summit and the England-Argentina clash, the 2026 World Cup seems set for a final chapter full of stars, history, and major stakes, before determining the identities of the awaited final contenders.