Spain defeats Belgium and advances to the World Cup semi-finals

End of cycle on the national bench

Javier Aguirre concluded his third stage at the head of the Mexican National Team. After reaching the round of 16 in the World Cup, the “Vasco” confirmed his departure at a press conference and handed the project to Rafael Márquez, who will lead the way to the 2030 World Cup.

Aguirre announced that he plans a break and seriously evaluates retirement, closing more than three decades as technical director. However, that decision is not sealed. The possibility of continuing depends on the interest of other national teams that have already begun approaches.

Possible destinations on the horizon

According to Fox Sports, the South Korean Football Federation has Aguirre on its radar. The Asian team, eliminated in the group stage after losing to Mexico, is looking for a coach for its new cycle. In the next few days there could be a formal contact. In addition, Saudi Arabia would also have shown interest in the services of the Mexican strategist.

Aguirre will analyze his future with his family. The accumulated experience and international respect make him an attractive candidate for projects abroad. For now, his legacy with the Tricolor is marked by the passage to the second round and the orderly transition to Rafael Márquez.

Duel of candidates in the quarterfinals

Both teams star in one of the most anticipated matches of the Quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup. This Friday, July 10, these teams will measure forces with the aim of ensuring their presence among the four best in the tournament and keeping alive the dream of winning the championship.

The Spanish team arrives with maximum confidence after eliminating Portugal in the previous round, a result that confirmed the growth of the team throughout the competition. La Roja overcame an irregular start and now looks like one of the strongest candidates to fight for the title.

The path of both teams

On the other side appears Belgium, which advanced with authority after clearly beating the United States. Although the Red Devils are still looking to show their best level, they have a squad capable of competing against any rival. They know that a win would put them one step away from the grand final.

The record favors Spain. Both teams have met 23 times, with a balance of 12 victories for the Spanish, six wins for Belgium and five draws. In World Cups there are two precedents: Belgium eliminated Spain in the Quarterfinals of Mexico 1986 after a dramatic penalty shootout, while La Roja won 2-1 in the group stage of Italy 1990.

The winner of this match will advance to the semifinals of a World Cup that already brings together only the eight best teams on the planet. Every mistake can make a difference.

France’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup semi-finals was tinged with mourning. A 17-year-old teenager lost her life in the town of Aulnoye-Aymeries, in the north of the country, while celebrating the Blues’ victory over Morocco.

The facts

According to emergency services, the young woman was traveling in the back of a truck when she fell to the pavement. The vehicle ran over her, causing fatal injuries. Rescuers went to the scene, but could only confirm his death.

The incident occurred shortly after France’s 2-0 quarter-final win. Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé scored the goals that gave them a place in the next round.

France will play its third consecutive semifinal in a World Cup. The rival will emerge from the duel between Spain and Belgium, scheduled for this Friday in Los Angeles. The semifinal will be played on Tuesday in Dallas, where the Blues will seek a ticket to the final.