2026 World Cup Predictor: Day 30
We now have our first confirmed World Cup semi-final as France will take on Spain in Dallas on Tuesday.
Today, we'll find out who will be competing in the other semi-final.
Here's your overview of Spain vs. Belgium yesterday, and a look ahead to tonight's matches.
A second consecutive quarter-final where we've had a very predictable scoreline and lots of Exacts on Superbru. There's no doubt that Spain deserved to win as the better side in my opinion, however, Belgium were also quite unlucky on the day.
Already without Amadou Onana due to his recent horrible injury, Belgium then lost key midfielder Youri Tielemans in the warm-up. Then, 70 minutes in, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is forced off. These are all unfortunate incidents that undoubtedly damaged Belgium's chances. You have to feel for Senne Lammens, who replaced Courtois, after his mistake for the winning goal.
Spain did absolutely dominate this game though and while I thought Belgium's goal was excellent with a great header from Charles De Ketelaere that was worthy of ending Spain's clean sheet streak, it was La Roja who controlled proceedings throughout almost the entire match.
Yet again, Mikel Merino won it from the bench. He's such a useful player to have for his versatility and physicality, but his instincts inside the box have really come on in the last couple of seasons as well. Though Lammens' error will naturally be the memorable thing about that winner, Merino did really well to pounce first.
Today's schedule:
It feels like we're due drama and an unexpected scoreline in at least one of the quarter-finals, which is definitely a concern as an England fan, but I still think I'll be predicting on the basis that we're set for an absolutely huge semi-final between England and Argentina.
In my opinion, England will get chances in today's game, so as long they take them, they should progress. I'd also like to think Tuchel's side will defend more effectively against Haaland than Brazil did. That's not to say he won't score (he probably will), but if you can limit him to just the one goal, ideally by cutting supply to him in the first place, I think England can score at least a couple themselves.
Then, from what we've seen in the knockout stages so far, Switzerland certainly have a chance against Argentina. I'm not brave enough to pick them though. Again, Argentina are likely to score at least a couple in my opinion - they have in every match so far in this tournament - and I'm not convinced Switzerland will be able to match that.
Are we really set for four very predictable quarter-final scorelines, though? It seems a bit too simple so I quite understand and respect those of you going for an underdog or perhaps penalties in one of the ties this evening?
Today, we'll find out who will be competing in the other semi-final.
Here's your overview of Spain vs. Belgium yesterday, and a look ahead to tonight's matches.
🇪🇸 Spain 2-1 Belgium 🇧🇪
Outcome predicted by 83.1% of users | Scorelined predicted by 39.1% of usersA second consecutive quarter-final where we've had a very predictable scoreline and lots of Exacts on Superbru. There's no doubt that Spain deserved to win as the better side in my opinion, however, Belgium were also quite unlucky on the day.
Already without Amadou Onana due to his recent horrible injury, Belgium then lost key midfielder Youri Tielemans in the warm-up. Then, 70 minutes in, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is forced off. These are all unfortunate incidents that undoubtedly damaged Belgium's chances. You have to feel for Senne Lammens, who replaced Courtois, after his mistake for the winning goal.
Spain did absolutely dominate this game though and while I thought Belgium's goal was excellent with a great header from Charles De Ketelaere that was worthy of ending Spain's clean sheet streak, it was La Roja who controlled proceedings throughout almost the entire match.
Yet again, Mikel Merino won it from the bench. He's such a useful player to have for his versatility and physicality, but his instincts inside the box have really come on in the last couple of seasons as well. Though Lammens' error will naturally be the memorable thing about that winner, Merino did really well to pounce first.
Today
The other side of the quarter-final draw takes place with four teams competing to be in the other semi-final.Today's schedule:
- 🇳🇴 Norway vs. England 🏴 | Kick-off 17:00 local, 22:00 UK, 23:00 CET/CAT
- 🇦🇷 Argentina vs. Switzerland 🇨🇭 | Kick-off 20:00 local, 02:00 UK, 03:00 CET/CAT
It feels like we're due drama and an unexpected scoreline in at least one of the quarter-finals, which is definitely a concern as an England fan, but I still think I'll be predicting on the basis that we're set for an absolutely huge semi-final between England and Argentina.
In my opinion, England will get chances in today's game, so as long they take them, they should progress. I'd also like to think Tuchel's side will defend more effectively against Haaland than Brazil did. That's not to say he won't score (he probably will), but if you can limit him to just the one goal, ideally by cutting supply to him in the first place, I think England can score at least a couple themselves.
Then, from what we've seen in the knockout stages so far, Switzerland certainly have a chance against Argentina. I'm not brave enough to pick them though. Again, Argentina are likely to score at least a couple in my opinion - they have in every match so far in this tournament - and I'm not convinced Switzerland will be able to match that.
Are we really set for four very predictable quarter-final scorelines, though? It seems a bit too simple so I quite understand and respect those of you going for an underdog or perhaps penalties in one of the ties this evening?
Superbru on X
Argentina 2:1 zwiz
Argentina win Switzerland lose
(Sorry Swiss and English)
Norway can give England a real test. The English defence is poor in my opinion, but then so is the Norwegian. You'd expect goals so a 0-0 incoming, lol.
Argentina vs Switzerland, agreeing the Swiss will make a tough challenge, 2:1 Argentina, but maybe changing to 1:1? Would probably be a good contrarian bet.?
fans. What a crazy match.
Opinions, though. 12 Jul 00:07
People are getting outraged over correct decisions now. Ronaldo's failures and PR team doing a stellar job here. 12 Jul 05:02
There's definitely some xenophobia going on where Latinos are seen as 'dirty scummy cheaters' and Norther Europeans and especially England are seen as fair players. But it's far from the truth - all teams try to get their way and Kane for example if one of the biggest cheats you will ever see. 12 Jul 05:05
I went 2-1 so my exact was ruined in last minute. I am sure you'll finish well, Frank. 12 Jul 13:44
Argentina are masters of the dark arts for sure, but so are all the teams left in this tournament. Things go against them too, and all the decisions in the Egypt game and the red card last night were correct. 12 Jul 14:05
Again, what about the fouls on NIcol Gonzalez that could easily have been a red card for Swiss player? All teams foul a lot.
I think England will win too but they haven't really played that well themselves in my opinion. Anyway I like you so don't wanna fall out. What do you think for tonight? Think it should be a very close game. 14 Jul 08:17
I am not sure what to go for tonight 14 Jul 08:25
You have done fine mate, especially for someone who I assume likes rugby more? Is that a fair comment? I am looking forward to playing against you guys in the domestic leagues next season. 14 Jul 09:07
I enjoy the challenge. 14 Jul 09:08
It would be a total bottle job now to lose Marko's Club after leading it basically the entire tournament, lol
Fair enough, will have to take a look at how you do in rugby and AFL. 14 Jul 09:11