FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals: Key takeaways from the matches

The FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals concluded on July 9 and 10, showcasing thrilling matches in which four former champions—Argentina, England, France, and Spain—advanced to the semifinals. Their victories highlighted the weaknesses of their opponents, particularly the inexperienced teams they faced.

France Dominates Morocco in a 2-0 Victory

In Boston, France secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Morocco. The Moroccan coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, surprised many by opting for a striker-less lineup, which proved ineffective against the formidable French side. “I was quite surprised by the starting 11,” said France’s coach Didier Deschamps. The match saw Kylian Mbappe score the opening goal with a stunning right-footer, further solidifying France's dominance in the tournament.

Despite Morocco's tactical approach, they struggled to generate any serious threats. The absence of key forward Ismael Saibari, who was injured, left Morocco with limited attacking options. Even their goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou, could not salvage the game, although he did save a first-half penalty from Mbappe after a lengthy VAR review.

Spain's Late Winner Against Belgium

Spain triumphed over Belgium with a late 2-1 goal in Los Angeles. The decisive moment came in the 88th minute when Mikel Merino capitalized on a rebound from a shot by Pau Cubarsi, a 19-year-old defender making waves in the tournament. His long-range effort caught the Belgian reserve goalkeeper Senne Lammens off guard, leading to the game-winning goal.

Despite Belgium being the first team to score against Spain in this World Cup, Spain's defensive strategy, reminiscent of their Barcelona roots, focused more on maintaining possession rather than traditional defending. This approach allowed them to dictate the pace of the game.

England Edges Past Norway in a 2-1 Match

In Miami, England defeated Norway 2-1, showcasing a blend of tactical prowess and opportunism. The match featured a controversial moment when a Norway goal was disallowed after a VAR check, exposing the Norwegians' lack of experience in high-pressure situations.

Norway's coach, Stale Solbakken, had previously rested key players to prepare for the knockout stage, but his strategy backfired against England. The match saw Jude Bellingham score the equalizer just before halftime and later convert a rebound for the winning goal in extra time, illustrating England's resilience and tactical acumen.

• Key Matches:
• France 2-0 Morocco
• Spain 2-1 Belgium
• England 2-1 Norway

The quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 not only highlighted the strengths of the advancing teams but also exposed the vulnerabilities of their opponents, setting the stage for an exhilarating semifinal round.