The Daily · Friday, 10 July 2026
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.
The record
Belgium Eliminated from World Cup After Goalkeeper Error Against Spain
Belgium's 2026 World Cup campaign is over following a goalkeeping error from Senne Lammens in their match against Spain. The defeat brings the curtain down on Belgium's tournament, and raises questions about whether this marks the end of their celebrated golden generation. Belgium's elimination likely signals the close of a golden generation that never won a major trophy, leaving their era of world-class talent without an international title.
Pulisic Fractures Leg as USA Beaten 4-1 by Belgium in World Cup Last 16
Christian Pulisic has been confirmed to have fractured his leg during the United States' 4-1 defeat by Belgium in the World Cup last 16. The loss eliminates USA from the tournament, and Pulisic's injury adds a further blow to American football's most prominent figure. Pulisic, the face of American football, is injured and his country is out of the World Cup — a damaging double blow for the sport's growth in the USA.
Simón Breaks World Cup Goalkeeping Record as Spain Beat Portugal
Unai Simón surpassed Switzerland's record of 559 consecutive World Cup minutes without conceding, reaching 560 during Spain's last-16 win over Portugal, settled by Mikel Merino's 90th-minute goal. Simón's run stretches back seven games to Japan's Ao Tanaka scoring against Spain at the Qatar World Cup. Spain now face Belgium. Simón's record-breaking run is a cornerstone of a Spain side that have now reached the World Cup quarter-finals while barely being tested in goal.
Ibrahimović Compares Olise to Tom Brady After France Quarter-Final Win
Michael Olise earned high praise from Zlatan Ibrahimović after France's quarter-final victory over Morocco in Boston. The Bayern Munich winger, who has five assists at the 2026 World Cup, drew the comparison despite not adding to that tally in the match. France have reached the World Cup semi-finals, with Olise emerging as one of the tournament's standout creative players with five assists.
Mbappe Misses Penalty as France Beat Morocco
Kylian Mbappe missed a penalty during France's win against Morocco, with his stuttered run-up among the latest examples of that technique failing at a key moment. The miss came despite France securing the victory.