Spain and France Into World Cup Semis as Belgium's Golden Generation Ends

The 2026 World Cup produced a day of genuine consequence, with two quarter-finals settled and two storied nations' tournaments brought to a close. Spain continued their serene progress, beating Belgium 2-1 in what proved a dramatic and historically significant evening. Mikel Merino came off the bench to score the late winner, while Unai Simón extended his world record for consecutive World Cup minutes without conceding past 560 — a run stretching back to Qatar. For Belgium, defeat carried a particular weight: it almost certainly marks the end of the golden generation that produced De Bruyne, Lukaku, Hazard and so many others, yet never won the one thing they were always measured by.

Earlier, Belgium had beaten hosts USA 4-1 in the last 16, a result that stings twice over — Christian Pulisic fractured his leg during the match, a crushing blow to American football's most recognisable figure on home soil. France, meanwhile, saw off Morocco to reach the semi-finals, with Michael Olise continuing to be the tournament's most creative presence and Mbappe's missed penalty a footnote in an otherwise comfortable win. Spain and France will now meet in Arlington in what shapes up as the tie of the tournament. On Saturday, England face Norway in Florida — Bellingham against Haaland, former Dortmund teammates now on opposite sides of a World Cup quarter-final.