[Official] First World Cup quarterfinal matchups confirmed: 'Title favorite' France vs. Spain blockbuster match set

*This content was translated by AI.

The first quarterfinal (semifinal) matchups for the 2026 FIFA North American Cup have been confirmed. A 'blockbuster match' between France and Spain, both regarded as title favorites since before the tournament, will take place.

Spain advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating Belgium 2-1 in the round of 16 match held at LA Stadium in the United States on the 11th (Korean time). Spain broke the deadlock with an early goal by Fabian Ruiz (Paris Saint-Germain) in the 30th minute of the first half but conceded an equalizing header from Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta) in the 41st minute. However, a priceless winning goal by Mikel Merino (Arsenal) in the 43rd minute of the second half secured their place in the quarterfinals.

Spain's return to the World Cup quarterfinals comes 16 years after the 2010 South Africa tournament. Since then, Spain was eliminated early: in the group stage at the 2014 Brazil tournament and in the round of 16 at both the 2018 Russia and 2022 Qatar tournaments. However, ahead of this tournament, Spain was recognized as a title contender well in advance, eventually topping Group H with two wins and one draw, then sequentially defeating Austria, Portugal, and Belgium to reach the quarterfinals.

France is Spain's opponent in the race to reach the tournament final. France advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating Morocco's surprising run 2-0 in the round of 16 match held the previous day. With this result, France has achieved the remarkable feat of reaching the World Cup quarterfinals for three consecutive tournaments: winning in 2018 Russia, finishing as runner-up in 2022 Qatar, and now advancing again.

France advanced through Group I with three straight wins in the group stage and continues its steep upward trajectory by defeating Sweden, Paraguay, and Morocco in succession during the tournament's knockout phase. In particular, since entering the knockout rounds, France has recorded three consecutive scoreless victories, demonstrating the strength of a formidable title favorite.

As of last month, FIFA rankings place France third and Spain second. In head-to-head history, Spain holds the advantage with 18 wins, 7 draws, and 13 losses. Their most recent meeting was in the UEFA Nations League semifinal held last June, where Spain won 5-4 after an incredible high-scoring match featuring nine goals.

The quarterfinal blockbuster between France and Spain will be held at Dallas Stadium in the United States on the 15th at 4 a.m. The other round of 16 matchup will feature the winner of Norway vs. England against the winner of Argentina vs. Switzerland.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.