FOUR GIANTS MARCH INTO WORLD CUP SEMI FINALS

By: Gyang Dakwo

The battle for the 2026 FIFA World Cup title has narrowed to four former champions after a thrilling quarter-final round produced exciting football, dramatic finishes and unforgettable moments.

France, Spain, England and defending champions Argentina all survived difficult tests to book their places in the last four, and attention has now shifted to two mouth-watering semi-final clashes.

The quarter-finals began on July 9, where France ended Morocco’s impressive campaign with a 2 – 0 victory at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele scored the goals that sent the French into the semi-finals, although Morocco once again showed why they have become one of Africa’s leading teams.

The Atlas Lions created chances of their own, but France relied on their experience and quality to get the job done.

The next day July 10, Spain joined France in the semi finals after edging Belgium 2 – 1 in a thrilling contest at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Fabian Ruiz gave Spain the lead before Charles De Ketelaere brought Belgium level. With extra time looming, Mikel Merino struck the winning goal to send the former world champions through.

Action continued on Saturday, July 11, and England fought back from a goal down to beat Norway 2 – 1 after extra time at GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tennessee.

Andreas Schjelderup put Norway ahead, but Jude Bellingham inspired England’s comeback with an equaliser before scoring the winner in extra time to keep his country’s dream of a second World Cup title alive.

The final quarter final was played in the early hours of Sunday, July 12, when Argentina defeated Switzerland 3 – 1 after extra time at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California.

Alexis Mac Allister gave the South Americans the lead before Dan Ndoye forced extra time with a well taken equaliser. Argentina then showed the composure of defending champions as Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez found the net to complete the victory and keep Lionel Messi’s quest for another World Cup title on course.

The focus has now shifted to the semi-finals, and football fans can expect two heavyweight encounters.

France and Spain will renew one of Europe’s biggest rivalries on July 14 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, while England and Argentina will clash on July 15 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

The winners will meet in the World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19.