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France Favored; Spain, England, Argentina Reach Semis

7/14/2026

49 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

France entered the semifinals as the tournament’s betting favorite, with odds near 40% to win the 2026 World Cup.
France secured its semifinal spot by beating Morocco 2-0 in the quarterfinal.
Spain advanced to the semifinals after a 2-1 quarterfinal victory over Belgium.
England and Argentina earned semifinal berths after extra-time wins over Norway and Switzerland, respectively.
The semifinal winners will play the final on July 19 in New Jersey.

History

Historical Context

France’s 1998 World Cup triumph, their first title won before 80,000 fans at the Stade de France, marked the tournament’s debut with 32 teams and sparked a lasting football boom. Building on that legacy, France’s 2026 squad repeated the pattern, beating Morocco 2-0 to reach the semifinals of the North-American-hosted tournament, whose final will be at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.

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Story summary

France entered the semifinals as the tournament’s betting favorite, with odds near 40% to win the 2026 World Cup.
France secured its semifinal spot by beating Morocco 2-0 in the quarterfinal.
Spain advanced to the semifinals after a 2-1 quarterfinal victory over Belgium.
England and Argentina earned semifinal berths after extra-time wins over Norway and Switzerland, respectively.
The semifinal winners will play the final on July 19 in New Jersey.

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