There’s no denying the huge occasion we’re heading toward as football’s grandest tournament heads toward the closing chapters.
There are just 8 strongest national teams competing for the trophy on the field of play, and though we could go over quite a bit regarding the groups concerned, there may be just one thought on the minds of hundreds of millions of fans around the continent of Africa.
Is Morocco still in with a chance of repeating its success in the World Cup?
Now that every other continent’s rivals, in Senegal, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Algeria, the Republic of South Africa, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, have all already been eliminated, it’s remaining as much as the Atlas Lions to fly the African flag into the 4 concluding matches of this 2026 World Cup.
France vs Morocco, July 9, 2026
Morocco entered the important match with a clean record: a draw with Brazil, a victory over the Netherlands in a penalty shootout and a 3 - 0 victory over Canada after an indifferent first half of play.
But the win over one of the hosts was darkened by an injury of the hamstring for their leader, further involvement of a newcomer from Bayern, Ismael Saibari, is questionable.
On the other hand, the squad from the Old Continent with the best stars in the game always enters any tournament as one of the favorites, but they had a lot of problems when they faced the Round of 16.
Kylian Mbapp's penalty settled that dispute with six more goals.
Between the two teams there is an emotional background, two teams also faced in the semifinal of 2022, France won 2-0.
Spain vs Belgium, 10 July 2026
Spain are writing themselves into the history books. Known always for the brilliance of their attack, Luis de la Fuente’s charges have not conceded one single goal in the World Cup 2026 and have extended their run of shutouts in world showpieces to six in a row.
That has never been done before by any nation.
In the Round of 16 the Iberian derby against Portugal saw Mikel Merino grab the late winning goal which brought Cristiano Ronaldo’s last ever dance on the world stage to an untimely close.
Belgium have provided just as much drama, though.
They roared back from 2-0 down against Senegal in the 86th minute to secure a 3-2 victory before putting in a sensational 4-1 thrashing of tournament hosts the USA even though the controversy over Folarin Balogun being able to return after a lengthy suspension failed to aid the cause of the hosts.
It’s a tall order, though, for the Red Devils today.
Norway vs England, July 12
Norway is at a quarterfinal for the first time ever in its country and is the primary dark horse.
Erling Haaland was the one who made his countrymen a team of quarters after putting an end to Neymar of Brazil hopes with two goals.
The Viking now counts seven times and is second only to Lionel Messi.
England, do you fear shocking Norway?
Not exactly.
The three lions have been trying to bring football home for six decades. Now they're on the way and after that crazy game with Mexico, all seem possible.
Thomas Tuchel will fight for England's 2022 title, and it will be in the competition for the top scorer, with Kane taking the challenge of Haaland.
Argentina vs Switzerland, July 12
Argentina was almost out of it against Egypt, down 2-0 with time running out.
It was the stuff of legends, however, as Messi managed to both miss a penalty and score twice to salvage a 3-2 win.
Switzerland will advance with steel, following a win on penalties after a goalless match against Colombia.
Now, Granit Xhaka and company have their work cut out for them to stop the tournament's deadliest attack.
Odds to qualify: Argentina - 1.33, Switzerland - 3.30.
Conclusion
The World Cup 2026 semifinal stage matchups are just around the corner.
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