France and Spain have secured their places in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup, setting up a blockbuster clash between the defending champions and the European champions. The two teams advanced after contrasting quarter-final victories: France dispatched Morocco 2-0 with a dominant display, while Spain edged Belgium 2-1 thanks to a late winner from Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino.
The semi-finals are the penultimate round of the tournament, where the four remaining teams are reduced to two. France, winners in 2018 and runners-up in 2022, have looked formidable throughout the competition. In their quarter-final, they faced a Morocco side that had reached the last four in Qatar 2022 but could not replicate that feat. Kylian Mbappé, who has scored eight goals in the tournament, missed a first-half penalty – saved by Yassine Bounou, the Morocco goalkeeper with a reputation as a penalty specialist – but made amends by curling in a stunning opener. Ousmane Dembélé then added a second as France overwhelmed their opponents. As the Guardian noted, "France press so well that they soon accepted they had no option but to retreat and endure." Morocco offered little in attack, registering their first shot on goal only in first-half stoppage time.
“France beat Morocco 2-0 and Spain beat Belgium 2-1 to reach the 2026 World Cup semi-finals – here's what happened and what it means.”
Spain, the reigning European champions from Euro 2024, faced a stubborn Belgium side. The match was tight until Merino's decisive intervention secured a 2-1 victory. The result means Spain will meet France in the semi-finals, a repeat of the 2022 final? No – that was Argentina vs France. But Spain and France have a rich rivalry, including the 2021 Nations League final won by France. For UK readers, the semi-final will feature several Premier League-linked players, including Merino (Arsenal) and France's William Saliba (Arsenal) and Dayot Upamecano (Bayern, but formerly linked to Premier League clubs). The match also pits two of the world's best coaches – Didier Deschamps and Luis de la Fuente – against each other.
Key questions answered: Q: How do teams reach the World Cup semi-finals? A: The World Cup begins with a group stage, followed by a knockout bracket. The quarter-finals are the round before the semi-finals; the winners of the four quarter-finals advance to the semi-finals. France and Spain won their quarter-finals to book their places.
Q: Who scored for France against Morocco? A: Kylian Mbappé scored the opener – his eighth goal of the tournament – and Ousmane Dembélé added a second. Mbappé also missed a penalty earlier in the match, which was saved by Yassine Bounou.
Q: What happened in Spain vs Belgium? A: Spain won 2-1, with Mikel Merino scoring the winning goal late on. The victory set up a semi-final clash with France.
What happens next: France and Spain will meet in the semi-final at a neutral venue. The winner will advance to the final, where they will face the victor of the other semi-final. France are aiming to win their third World Cup in 28 years, while Spain seek their first since 2010.