The race for places in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway on Thursday, 9 July, with four mouth-watering quarterfinal clashes scheduled over four days as the world’s remaining football giants battle for a place in the last four.
Africa’s hopes now rest solely on Morocco, who have become the continent’s standard bearers after surviving the knockout rounds to set up a blockbuster encounter against two-time world champions France.
The Atlas Lions have enjoyed another memorable World Cup campaign, demonstrating the defensive discipline, tactical organisation and fighting spirit that made them the first African nation to reach a World Cup semifinal in Qatar in 2022. They eliminated Canada 3-0 in the Round of 16 after edging the Netherlands on penalties in the previous round, and will now face their toughest challenge yet.
France booked their place in the quarterfinals after convincing victories over Sweden in the Round of 32 and Paraguay in the Round of 16. Les Bleus possess one of the tournament’s strongest squads and will start as favourites, but Morocco have already shown they are capable of upsetting the world’s elite.
The winner will become the first team to secure a place in the semifinals.
Friday’s clash between Spain and Belgium promises to be another thrilling contest. Spain have been among the tournament’s most impressive teams, defeating Austria and Portugal without conceding a goal in the knockout rounds. Their possession-based style and attacking quality have made them genuine contenders for the title.
Belgium, meanwhile, arrive in confident mood after producing one of the tournament’s most entertaining performances by defeating Senegal 3-2 before comfortably dispatching hosts United States 4-1 in the Round of 16. With both sides boasting world-class talent, the encounter is expected to be one of the highlights of the quarterfinals.
On Saturday, surprise package Norway will attempt to continue their dream run when they face England. Norway have already shocked many by eliminating Ivory Coast before stunning five-time champions Brazil 2-1 in the Round of 16 to reach the last eight.
England, however, have needed resilience to reach this stage. The Three Lions survived determined challenges from DR Congo and hosts Mexico, winning both matches by narrow margins. Their experience at major tournaments could prove decisive against an adventurous Norwegian side.
The final quarterfinal will take place in the early hours of Sunday morning when Argentina face Switzerland.
Argentina produced one of the greatest comebacks of the tournament in the Round of 16 after recovering from a two-goal deficit to beat Egypt 3-2 with a dramatic stoppage-time winner. The South Americans remain among the favourites to lift the trophy and will be eager to continue their march towards another World Cup crown.
Switzerland, meanwhile, have quietly built an impressive campaign. After eliminating Algeria in the Round of 32, they overcame Colombia in a tense penalty shootout following a goalless draw to earn their place in the quarterfinals. Their disciplined defence and ability to remain composed under pressure make them dangerous opponents.
With a place in the semifinals at stake, football supporters around the world can expect four fiercely contested matches featuring former world champions, emerging contenders and Morocco, the last African nation standing, determined to keep the continent’s dream of winning a first FIFA World Cup alive.