What You Need to Know
• Four former champions, Argentina, England, France, and Spain, reached the FIFA World Cup semifinals for the first time since 1990.
• France defeated Morocco 2-0 in Boston, with Kylian Mbappe scoring the opening goal.
• Spain secured a 2-1 victory over Belgium in Los Angeles, with Pau Cubarsi scoring the decisive goal.
On July 9, 2026, four former champions—Argentina, England, France, and Spain—advanced to the FIFA World Cup semifinals for the first time since 1990. France triumphed over Morocco with a 2-0 scoreline in Boston, where Kylian Mbappe netted the first goal. Meanwhile, Spain edged past Belgium 2-1 in Los Angeles, thanks to a late goal from teenager Pau Cubarsi. The quarterfinals showcased the advantages experienced teams had over less seasoned opponents, with France capitalizing on Morocco’s unusual striker-less formation and Spain benefiting from a backup goalkeeper’s misjudgment.
Why It Matters
The advancement of Argentina, England, France, and Spain to the semifinals highlights the dominance of historically successful teams in the FIFA World Cup. This marks a significant moment in World Cup history, as it is the first time since 1990 that all four teams have reached this stage together. France’s tactical decisions and Spain’s emerging talents, like Pau Cubarsi, emphasize the evolving dynamics of international football, where established teams leverage their experience against less experienced opponents. The results reflect the ongoing trend of competitive balance in the tournament, where traditional powerhouses continue to assert their dominance.
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