NEWS
World Cup Schedule, July 9: Who will be the first semifinalist?
The "Equipe Tricolore" faces what is likely their toughest challenge of the World Cup so far against Morocco. The schedule for July 9:
The 2026 World Cup is entering its crucial phase.
Eight teams are still in the race for the most important title in world football. The quarterfinals consist of six European, one South American, and one African team.
The battle for a spot in the semifinals kicks off on Thursday with the clash between France and Morocco. The "Équipe Tricolore" faces what is likely their most demanding task of the tournament so far.
An overview of the schedule for July 9:
Schedule, July 9 (CEST):
10:00 PM: France - Morocco (LIVE-Ticker >>>)
As in the 2022 World Cup, the "Equipe Tricolore" will face the "Atlas Lions". Back then, the French emerged victorious in the semifinals with a 2-0 scoreline thanks to goals from Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani.
Both teams are undefeated in the tournament so far; France recently struggled to a 1-0 win in a heated match against Paraguay. Morocco demonstrated efficiency in their 3-0 victory against co-host Canada, needing only four shots on goal for three scores.
All eyes will once again be on Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise: Mbappe aims to catch up with Lionel Messi in the top scorers list, currently holding seven tournament goals. Michael Olise leads the assists ranking with five assists – he needs just three more assists to equal the all-time World Cup record.
Meanwhile, Morocco is concerned about the availability of their current top scorer, Ismael Saibari. The new FC Bayern signing has already scored three times but is suffering from muscular problems.
Schedule, July 10 (CEST):
9:00 PM: Spain - Belgium (LIVE-Ticker >>>)
Spain has reached the quarterfinals for the first time since their 2010 World Cup title, with Mikel Merino scoring a 1-0 winning goal for the "Furia Roja" against Portugal in injury time. Incidentally, it was the tenth last-minute winning goal of this World Cup – a new record.
Impressive: The reigning European champions have not conceded a single goal in this tournament. In fact, Spain is the first team to remain without conceding a goal in six consecutive World Cup matches.
Belgium effortlessly overcame their Round of 16 hurdle, defeating co-host USA 4-1 after the controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun's suspended red card. Rudi Garcia's team is now unbeaten in 18 matches.
It will be the first competitive match between Spain and Belgium in almost 17 years – in the qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup, the Iberians emerged clear 5-0 victors. David Silva and David Villa each scored a brace back then.
