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The first two World Cup 2026 quarter-finals are done, and they've served up a heavyweight last-four clash. France brushed aside Morocco 2-0 in Boston, while European champions Spain needed a late twist to edge Belgium 2-1 in Los Angeles. The reward for both: a blockbuster semi-final against each other on Tuesday 14 July in Dallas.
France 2-0 Morocco
Morocco arrived dreaming of revenge and more history, but ran into a France side with simply too much firepower at a sweltering Gillette Stadium. For an hour the African champions held firm, roared on by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who saved a Kylian Mbappé penalty in the 28th minute — the latest in a growing collection of spot-kick heroics after he also denied the Netherlands from 12 yards earlier in the tournament.
The dam broke on the hour mark. Mbappé curled a beautiful right-footed effort into the far corner for his eighth goal of the tournament, drawing level with Lionel Messi at the top of the scoring charts. Six minutes later he turned provider, releasing Ousmane Dembélé to steer home a low finish and make it 2-0. There was a brief scare when Mbappé came off in the 77th minute with ice on his ankle, but he later played it down as a minor knock and joined the celebrations.
For Morocco, semi-finalists four years ago, the run ends at the quarter-finals — once again undone by France. For Didier Deschamps' men, it's a third straight World Cup semi-final.
Spain 2-1 Belgium
If France were comfortable, Spain had to do it the hard way. Fabián Ruiz swept home a rebound on the half-hour mark to put Luis de la Fuente's side ahead, only for Charles De Ketelaere to head Belgium level 11 minutes later — the first goal Spain had conceded all tournament.
Belgium defended resiliently under Rudi Garcia and looked set to force extra time, despite losing captain Youri Tielemans to a warm-up injury and, later, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to injury just past the hour. His replacement, Manchester United's Senne Lammens, would prove central to the drama.
With two minutes of normal time left, Pau Cubarsí drove in a shot from 20 yards that Lammens couldn't hold, and up popped substitute Mikel Merino to tuck away the rebound for 2-1. It was a familiar story: the Arsenal man had also come off the bench to sink Portugal in the Round of 16. Spain thoroughly deserved it too, dominating the chances (18-5) and possession (68%-32%) to reach their first World Cup semi-final since 2010 — the year they were crowned champions.
Next up: France vs Spain in the semi-finals
It sets up a genuine clash of titans. France and Spain meet on Tuesday 14 July at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, near Dallas, in a repeat of the Euro 2024 semi-final in Munich — a game Spain won 2-1 through Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo. Les Bleus will be desperate to settle that score.
Both sides are now just two wins from glory, with the World Cup final taking place on Sunday 19 July in New York. Something has to give in Dallas.
France vs Spain — World Cup 2026 Semi-Final tickets
Don't miss the tournament's blockbuster semi-final. Secure your seats for France vs Spain in Dallas on Tuesday 14 July with LiveFootballTickets — your trusted marketplace for World Cup 2026 tickets.
