The stage is set for the World Cup 2026 semi-finals and France is leading the charge as the undisputed favourites. Didier Deschamps' side has been a force to be reckoned with, demonstrating a ruthless efficiency that's left opponents grasping at straws. They've done it again, breaking down stubborn defences with ease – just ask Morocco, who required an hour of patient build-up before Kylian Mbappé conjured up some magic, scoring and then assisting like the tournament's standout individual talent alongside Ousmane Dembélé.
Spain remains hot on their heels, having navigated a tough quarter-final against Belgium with style. Mikel Merino sealed the deal for La Roja with a late winner just 115 seconds after coming on as a sub – talk about making an impact! The victory has given Spain a much-needed confidence boost and young gun Lamine Yamal is ready to take the stage, saying, "If anyone should be afraid it's France – we knocked them out of the Euros. We've got no fear!"
England has climbed into third after securing their spot in the semi-finals, despite a performance that left manager Thomas Tuchel looking far from pleased. The Miami heat was more than just a challenge for the team against Norway, but Jude Bellingham proved once again to be the game-changer, shifting the dynamic and dragging his country through. Tuchel's tactics were questioned, with many believing the No. 10 needs to be up close and personal with Harry Kane for England to have any chance of reaching the final.
World champions Argentina, now in fourth, are still battling their way through knockout games, struggling to find a consistent rhythm over 90 minutes. Lionel Messi's brilliance was on full display as he carved out openings, but it was Julián Alvarez who made the difference with his stunning first goal of the tournament against Switzerland. The Pumas tried to manage the game after an early goal, a strategy midfielder Leandro Paredes admitted was a high-risk approach: "If there's no suffering, it doesn't count."
Belgium's World Cup journey came to an end in disappointing fashion, largely due to an injury to key goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Senne Lammens, who hadn't played competitive football since May, made a crucial error that led to Spain's winning goal. Despite matching Spain for long periods, with Jérémy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne impressing, the Red Devils were punished for their mistake. Switzerland's campaign also came to an end in the quarter-finals, where a red card for Breel Embolo proved to be the turning point against Argentina, leaving them unable to hold on with ten men in extra time.