NEWS
World Cup Schedule, July 9: Will France Reach the Semifinals?
The "Equipe Tricolore" faces what is arguably their toughest challenge yet at this World Cup with Morocco. The schedule for July 9:
The 2026 World Cup is entering its hot 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" likely faces its toughest challenge of the tournament so far.
An overview of the schedule for July 9:
Schedule, July 9 (CEST):
10:00 PM: France - Morocco (LIVE Ticker >>>)
Just like at the 2022 World Cup, the "Equipe Tricolore" will face the "Atlas Lions". Back then, the French prevailed 2-0 in the semifinals with 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 over 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 draw level with Lionel Messi in the top scorer 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.
Morocco, however, has concerns about the availability of their current top scorer Ismael Saibari. The new FC Bayern signing has already scored three times but is struggling with 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 firing the "Furia Roja" to a 1-0 victory against Portugal in stoppage time. Incidentally, it was the tenth last-minute winning goal at this World Cup – a new record.
Impressive: The reigning European champions have yet to concede a single goal in this tournament. In fact, Spain is the first team to keep a clean sheet in six consecutive World Cup matches.
Belgium effortlessly cleared 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.
This will be the first competitive encounter between Spain and Belgium in almost 17 years – in qualification for the 2010 World Cup, the Iberians emphatically won 5-0. David Silva and David Villa each scored a brace back then.
