World Cup 2026 Quarterfinal Results: What the Final Four Means for Betting Markets
The 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals wrapped up on Saturday and delivered exactly the kind of drama this tournament has promised since kickoff. France, Spain, England and Argentina booked their semifinal spots, and for the first time in tournament history every one of FIFA's top four ranked teams entering the competition reached the final four. Two extra time thrillers, a pair of comfortable wins for the tournament favorites and a golden boot race that keeps tightening. Here is what happened, what it means for betting interest here in Connecticut and where the smart money sits ahead of the semifinals.
Quarterfinal Results and Recap
All four World Cup quarterfinals were played across the United States between July 9 and July 11. Here is how the final four came together.
France 2, Morocco 0 in Boston. Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring in the second half after a missed penalty earlier in the match, then set up Ousmane Dembele to seal it. France has now scored 16 goals across six matches and conceded just two.
Spain 2, Belgium 1 in Los Angeles. Fabian Ruiz put Spain ahead in the 30th minute before Charles De Ketelaere leveled for Belgium, but substitute Mikel Merino struck again in the 88th minute for the winner. It was Merino's second late knockout stage goal of the tournament.
England 2, Norway 1 after extra time. Andreas Schjelderup put Norway ahead in the first half before Jude Bellingham equalized right before the break. Norway held on through a scoreless second half before Bellingham struck again early in extra time to send England through.
Argentina 3, Switzerland 1 after extra time. Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring in the 10th minute, Dan Ndoye pulled Switzerland level in the 67th, and Argentina finally broke through in extra time with goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez against 10 man Swiss opposition.
The result: all three World Cup co hosts were already out by the round of 16, and Brazil and Portugal went out with them, but the four biggest brands in the sport are still standing. France and Spain meet in Dallas on July 14. Argentina and England meet in Atlanta on July 15.
What This Semifinal Field Means for Betting Interest in Connecticut
A final four built entirely around the sport's biggest names is about as good as it gets for betting handle. France and Spain entered this tournament as the co favorites on every major oddsboard, and their matchup in Dallas is a heavyweight collision that sportsbooks have been building toward since the draw. England and Argentina bring an entirely different pull. This is the eighth World Cup meeting between these two nations, a rivalry with a history that includes 1966, the Hand of God in 1986 and the 1998 red card, and that kind of storyline consistently drives casual bettors who do not normally follow soccer to place a bet.
For Connecticut bettors, that combination of star power and rivalry means this week's semifinals should be among the most heavily bet soccer matches of the entire tournament. Golden Boot and Golden Ball markets are also tightening, with Mbappe holding the tournament lead on goals and Messi putting together arguably the most influential individual performance of the quarterfinal round without even finding the scoresheet himself against Switzerland.
Semifinal Odds and Betting Tips
Odds below reflect moneyline pricing as of July 12 and will continue to move as kickoff approaches, so always confirm current numbers before placing a bet.
| Matchup | Moneyline | Draw | To Advance |
|---|---|---|---|
| France vs Spain (July 14, Dallas) | France +135 / Spain +220 | +220 | France -148 / Spain +120 |
| England vs Argentina (July 15, Atlanta) | England +160 / Argentina +210 | +190 | England -130 / Argentina +106 |
| Outright to Win the Tournament | France +140, England +310, Spain +330, Argentina +400 | ||
France vs Spain, Tuesday July 14, 3pm ET in Dallas
France is the moneyline favorite at +135 with the draw and Spain both sitting at +220. Spain has the tournament's best defense at 11 goals conceded across the field and just one goal allowed themselves, while France is the highest scoring team left in the draw. France has the attacking edge on paper, but Spain has found a way to win every knockout match by exactly one goal, twice through a late Merino strike. We like backing both teams to score alongside a France win or draw, since neither side has kept a clean sheet against top level opposition.
England vs Argentina, Wednesday July 15, 3pm ET in Atlanta
England is the narrow moneyline favorite at +160 with Argentina at +210 and the draw at +190. Both teams have needed extra time to escape one goal games in the knockout stage, and Argentina in particular has trailed in each of its last three matches before finding a way through. England has scored at least twice in every knockout game so far, and we lean toward England covering in 90 minutes given Argentina's continued struggle to create width without a true replacement for Angel Di Maria.
Outright to win the tournament, France sits at +140, England at +310, Spain at +330 and Argentina at +400.
Performance Insights From the Quarterfinals
France continues to look like the team to beat. Mbappe has eight goals, the tournament high, and Dembele has five, putting him level with Just Fontaine for third most goals by a Frenchman in a single World Cup. The French have not needed to grind out a single knockout match yet.
Spain has been slower to find top gear, drawing Cape Verde in the group stage and needing a stoppage time winner from Merino to beat Portugal in the round of 16, but that slow build has let fitness doubts like Rodri and Lamine Yamal find their rhythm at the right time. Spain's defense has conceded a single goal across three knockout matches.
England has matched its best ever win total in a single World Cup at five, a mark last set during the 1966 triumph, and both Harry Kane and Bellingham sit among the tournament's leading scorers. But three straight one goal knockout wins, two of them needing extra time, suggest England is winning on moments rather than dominance.
Argentina has made back to back semifinals for the first time since 1986 and 1990, largely on the back of Messi, who has eight goals in six matches. The concern for backers is that Argentina has trailed in three consecutive knockout matches, including a two goal deficit against Egypt with ten minutes left, before finding late goals to survive.
How to Bet on the World Cup Semifinals at MyWinners
Fanatics Sportsbook handles all sports betting, including World Cup semifinal action, in person at MyWinners venues across Connecticut. Stop by any MyWinners location to place a bet on France vs Spain or England vs Argentina, catch the match on the big screen and enjoy full food and drink service throughout. Find your nearest venue and hours here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fanatics Sportsbook handles sports betting in person at MyWinners venues throughout Connecticut. Visit any MyWinners location to place a bet on the World Cup semifinals.
France plays Spain on Tuesday, July 14 at 3pm ET in Dallas, and Argentina plays England on Wednesday, July 15 at 3pm ET in Atlanta.
France is the current favorite to win the tournament at +140, followed by England at +310, Spain at +330 and Argentina at +400.
MyWinners operates as a pari-mutuel wagering platform. Sports betting, including the World Cup, is handled by Fanatics Sportsbook in person at MyWinners venues.
All three World Cup co hosts, the United States, Mexico and Canada, were eliminated before the quarterfinals even began, along with traditional powers Brazil and Portugal, clearing the way for the four biggest brands in the sport to reach the final four together for the first time in tournament history.
