France became the first team to reach the World Cup 2026 semi-finals after a 2-0 victory over Morocco in Foxborough on July 9. The defending champions controlled proceedings from the start, setting up a last-four clash against either Spain or Belgium in Arlington on July 14.

Three quarter-finals remain. Spain meet Belgium in Los Angeles on July 10, while England face Norway in Miami the following evening at 10pm UK time. Argentina take on Switzerland in Kansas City in the early hours of July 12. The winners of the bottom-half ties collide in Atlanta on July 15 for a place in the final.

The tournament decider is scheduled for July 19 at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium, kicking off at 8pm UK time. England's potential route now runs through Norway, then the winner of Argentina versus Switzerland — a draw that avoids France until the final.

England's quarter-final against Norway represents their sternest test yet. The Scandinavians have conceded just once in four matches. If Sarina Wiegman's side navigate that hurdle, a semi-final against South American opposition offers a more favourable matchup than a potential showdown with France. The path to a first World Cup title since 1966 has clarified, but the margin for error has vanished.