The Short Version
The quarter-finals opened with the tournament’s great underdog story meeting one of its favourites — and the favourite won. France beat Morocco 2-0 at Gillette Stadium to become the first team into the semi-finals, ending a Morocco run that had knocked out the Netherlands and Canada and captured the tournament. France will play the winner of Spain vs Belgium in the semi-final on July 14. Three quarter-finals remain to complete the last four.
The last eight began with a collision of stories: Morocco, the tournament’s giant-killers, against France, one of its clear contenders. For a run that had already toppled two strong sides, this was the sternest test yet — and this time the underdogs came up short. France controlled the tie, won 2-0, and became the first team through to the semi-finals.
July 9 result at a glance
| Tie | Score | Venue | Through |
|---|---|---|---|
| France vs Morocco | 2–0 | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough | France |
One quarter-final down, three to go — and the tournament’s most celebrated underdog run is over.
France end Morocco’s fairytale run
France reached the semi-finals with a controlled 2-0 win over Morocco at Gillette Stadium, ending one of the stories of the tournament. Morocco had arrived in the quarter-finals as the competition’s great giant-killers, a side that stunned the Netherlands and swept aside Canada to reach the last eight. Against France, though, the run met a side with too much quality.
France did not let the tie become the chaos Morocco thrive in. They managed the game, took their chances, and saw it out at 2-0 — a performance in keeping with a tournament that has seen Deschamps’ side win their group and come through the knockouts without alarm, as the result confirmed. For Morocco, the tournament ends at the quarter-finals, but a run that beat the Netherlands and Canada will be remembered long after.
The first semi-finalist
France are the first team into the last four, and they will take some stopping. Their reward is a semi-final on July 14 at AT&T Stadium against the winner of Spain vs Belgium, with the bracket taking shape. Having navigated the knockouts with the composure of a side that knows how to win tournaments, they will fancy their chances of going further still.
The other three quarter-finals will decide who joins them. Spain face Belgium on July 10, Norway meet England on July 11, and holders Argentina take on Switzerland on July 12 — the ties that will complete the semi-final line-up, as the day’s coverage set out.
The quarter-finals: France through, three to come
With France into the semis, the quarter-final picture stands as follows:
| Quarter-final | Date | Result / status |
|---|---|---|
| France vs Morocco | July 9 | France won 2–0 |
| Spain vs Belgium | July 10 | To play |
| Norway vs England | July 11 | To play |
| Argentina vs Switzerland | July 12 | To play |
France are through; the three remaining ties run from July 10 to 12. The picks are rich: Spain against a Belgium side that ended the USA’s tournament, Norway’s Haaland against England, and holders Argentina — carried past Egypt by Messi — against a Switzerland side that came through on penalties. The semi-finals begin on July 14.
Frequently asked questions
What was the July 9 World Cup result? France beat Morocco 2-0 in the quarter-finals at Gillette Stadium, reaching the semi-finals and ending Morocco’s tournament.
How did France beat Morocco? France controlled the quarter-final and won 2-0, managing the game and taking their chances to see out a comfortable victory over the tournament’s giant-killers.
Is Morocco out of the 2026 World Cup? Yes. Morocco lost 2-0 to France in the quarter-finals, ending a run that had knocked out the Netherlands and Canada.
Who do France play in the semi-finals? France will play the winner of Spain vs Belgium in the semi-final on July 14, 2026, at AT&T Stadium.
Which teams have reached the semi-finals? France are the first team into the semi-finals. The other three places will be decided by the remaining quarter-finals on July 10-12.
What quarter-finals are still to be played? Spain vs Belgium (July 10), Norway vs England (July 11) and Argentina vs Switzerland (July 12) remain to be played.
How far did Morocco go at the 2026 World Cup? Morocco reached the quarter-finals, beating the Netherlands and Canada in the knockouts before losing to France.
When do the semi-finals start? The semi-finals begin on July 14, 2026, with France playing at AT&T Stadium.
