BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK

Two proud European nations burdened by contrasting but equally frustrating records will battle for a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals when Norway take on England on Saturday.

For Norway, this quarter-final represents an opportunity to continue one of the tournament’s most remarkable stories. Led by prolific striker Erling Haaland, the Scandinavians have already stunned football heavyweights Brazil and Côte d’Ivoire on their route to the last eight and now stand just two victories away from an unlikely appearance in the final.

Yet history offers a warning. Norway have failed to win any of their last six FIFA World Cup matches against fellow European opponents, a statistic they will be desperate to erase against an England side renowned for its tournament pedigree.

The Three Lions, however, arrive with demons of their own. While England have consistently reached the latter stages of major tournaments in recent years, their record in World Cup knockout matches against UEFA opposition has been surprisingly poor. They have won only one of their last six such encounters, a sequence that underlines the challenge awaiting Gareth Southgate’s men.

England earned their quarter-final berth after a thrilling 3-2 victory over hosts Mexico, while Norway continued their giant-killing run with a memorable 2-1 triumph over five-time champions Brazil, courtesy of another decisive contribution from Haaland.

The clash pits Norway’s fearless attacking approach against England’s tournament experience. Haaland remains the focal point of Norwegian hopes, while England will look to captain Harry Kane and their wealth of attacking talent to deliver when it matters most.

With a semi-final place at stake and both sides eager to banish unwanted records, the encounter promises to be one of the most intriguing matches of the tournament.

For Norway, victory would move them closer to the greatest achievement in the nation’s football history. For England, it would represent another step towards ending a 60-year wait for a second World Cup crown.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK.

Morocco’s remarkable FIFA World Cup 2026 journey came to an end against familiar opponents on Thursday, but the Atlas Lions are already turning their attention towards a potentially historic opportunity on home soil in 2030.

Morocco were unable to replicate the semi-final heroics that captivated the football world in Qatar four years ago, once again finding France standing in their path.

Les Bleus secured a 2-0 quarter-final victory in Boston, ending Morocco’s hopes of becoming the first African nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals twice.

Despite the defeat, Morocco leave the tournament with their reputation enhanced. The North Africans became the first African nation to reach successive World Cup quarter-finals, adding another chapter to a golden era that has transformed them into one of the continent’s leading football powers.

Their campaign included a dramatic penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands in the Round of 32 and a spirited performance against Brazil in the group stage, underlining their ability to compete with the game’s traditional heavyweights.

Questions had surrounded Morocco’s prospects heading into the tournament after a coaching change only three months before kickoff.

However, Reuters reported that Mohamed Ouahbi, promoted from the youth ranks after guiding Morocco to last year’s FIFA Under-20 World Cup title, oversaw a smooth transition and exceeded many expectations.

Now, with Morocco already qualified for the 2030 World Cup as co-hosts alongside Portugal and Spain, attention is beginning to shift towards what could be the most significant tournament in the country’s football history.

With this development, Morocco have achieved a rare feat of a four-consecutive appearance in the World Cup by an African team.

“We have a young team who want to grow, who will continue to do so. We have talented players who will enable us to grow,” Ouahbi told reporters after Thursday’s defeat, according to Reuters.

The 2030 World Cup offers Morocco a unique opportunity to build on the foundations laid by successive deep runs at the global showpiece. Yet the road to that tournament is unlikely to be straightforward.

Reuters pointed out that Ouahbi must first navigate two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, scheduled for 2027 and 2028, competitions that often determine the fate of coaches across the continent.

The pressure attached to the position is well known in Morocco. Ouahbi’s predecessor, Walid Regragui, departed after failing to deliver Africa Cup of Nations success despite leading the country to its historic World Cup semi-final appearance in Qatar.

Rather than looking too far ahead, Ouahbi insists Morocco must first establish themselves as consistent winners in Africa.

“We need to first qualify for the Cup of Nations and to win it. We need to take a step back and to see to it that we have a team that can make and generate dreams in the future. And win titles to ensure we’re on the right track,” he said, according to Reuters.

The Africa Cup of Nations remains an unresolved challenge for Morocco. Despite being one of Africa’s highest-ranked teams for much of the last decade, Morocco’s continental success has been limited.

Their only undisputed AFCON triumph came in 1976, although they were awarded the 2025 title after Senegal were stripped of the championship following a walk-off during the final in Rabat. That decision remains under appeal.

Morocco’s immediate focus now turns to the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers beginning in September, where they have been drawn alongside Gabon, Lesotho and Niger in what appears a favourable group.

However, Reuters reported that Ouahbi believes Morocco will need sterner tests if they are to realise their ambition of challenging for the World Cup trophy when they co-host the tournament in four years.

“Of course, the Cup of Nations is not the World Cup. This is a different type of competition, with opponents that have different styles of play,” Ouahbi said.

“So, when you’re not used to playing these types of styles, when you’re not prepared for a World Cup, you can get eliminated very quickly.”

For now, Morocco can reflect on another groundbreaking World Cup campaign. Yet with the eyes of the football world set to turn towards Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier and Marrakech in 2030, the Atlas Lions know their greatest challenge may still lie ahead.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

Spain are through to the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals for only the second time in their history after substitute Mikel Merino emerged as the late hero in a dramatic 2-1 victory over Belgium on Friday.

The European champions looked destined for extra time after Belgium had cancelled out Spain’s first-half lead, but Merino struck just two minutes after coming off the bench to send La Roja into a mouth-watering semi-final clash with France in Dallas on Tuesday.

Spain, who have been among the tournament’s most impressive sides, seized the initiative in the 30th minute through Fabian Ruiz.

The midfielder reacted quickest after Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois produced a magnificent save to deny Dani Olmo, steering the rebound home to give Luis de la Fuente’s men a deserved advantage.

Belgium, however, refused to be overawed and responded before the interval. Charles De Ketelaere restored parity in the 41st minute, rising above the Spanish defence to head Timothy Castagne’s inviting cross beyond goalkeeper Unai Simón.

Belgium’s Charles De Ketelaere celebrates with teammate Timothy Castagne after heading home Belgium’s equaliser during the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Spain at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California, on July 10, 2026. The strike was the first goal conceded by Spain in the tournament, although the Europeans champions went on to win 2-1 and reach the semi-finals. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Gary Vasquez

The goal carried extra significance as it ended Spain’s remarkable defensive record at the tournament, making Belgium the first side to breach La Roja’s backline in the competition.

The second half developed into a tense tactical battle, with chances at a premium and both sides aware that a place in the last four was at stake.

Belgium suffered a major setback midway through the half when Courtois, who had kept his side in the contest with a series of fine interventions, was forced off through injury. The veteran goalkeeper was replaced by Senne Lammens.

That change proved pivotal in the closing stages.

With extra time looming, Spain introduced Merino in the 86th minute in a final bid to find a breakthrough. The substitution paid immediate dividends.

Just two minutes later, Pau Cubarsi unleashed a low effort that Lammens failed to hold cleanly, and Merino reacted fastest to bundle the loose ball into the net, sparking wild celebrations among the Spanish players and supporters.

Belgium pushed desperately for another equaliser in the closing moments, but Spain held firm to secure a hard-fought victory and continue their quest for a second World Cup title.

The win sets up a blockbuster semi-final showdown against France, a repeat of several recent high-profile European encounters, with a place in the World Cup final now within touching distance for the reigning European champions.

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