British right-wing political party Reform UK has unveiled a hardline immigration proposal, pledging to launch what it describes as the "largest military operation since the Second World War" to stop illegal migrants from crossing the English Channel in small boats.

The announcement comes amid growing political debate over illegal migration and border security in the United Kingdom, with the party promising an aggressive military-led strategy if it comes to power.

'Operation Fortress' Unveiled

Reform UK's Home Affairs spokesperson Zia Yusuf said the proposed plan, named Operation Fortress, would combine military assets and intelligence capabilities to make Britain's maritime border "the most surveilled in the world."

Under the proposal, the Royal Navy would intercept all boats attempting to enter the UK illegally through the English Channel. Migrants would be provided food, water and medical assistance before being escorted back to France or Belgium.

Yusuf claimed the party's objective was to ensure that no illegal migrant attempting to reach Britain would be allowed to land on UK shores.

Commandos Could Be Deployed

One of the most controversial aspects of the proposal is the suggestion that Royal Marines could be deployed to French beaches if cooperation from the French government is not forthcoming.

Yusuf said Reform UK would prefer to work with France but insisted the party would not hesitate to act if required.

He stated that migrants intercepted while attempting the crossing would be returned immediately, adding that the party would adopt what he described as an uncompromising approach to border enforcement.

France Rejects Proposal

French authorities have rejected the proposal, saying any attempt by British forces to operate on French territory would violate French sovereignty, international maritime law and international legal norms.

The proposal has also sparked debate over whether such a policy would be legally enforceable under existing international agreements governing migration and territorial jurisdiction.

Political Context

The announcement comes at a time when illegal migration remains one of the UK's most politically sensitive issues.

Reform UK is attempting to consolidate support as it faces competition from both the governing Labour Party and other right-wing political groups. Recent opinion polls have shown Labour and Reform UK running neck and neck on several national voting indicators.

Political analysts believe the party is seeking to strengthen its appeal among voters who favour stricter immigration controls.

Questions Over Feasibility

Legal experts have pointed out that implementing the proposal would face significant diplomatic and legal hurdles.

Deploying British military personnel onto French territory without Paris' approval would likely breach international law and trigger a major diplomatic dispute between the two countries.

While Reform UK maintains that national border security should take precedence, the proposal is expected to face close scrutiny over its legality and practicality if it becomes part of the party's election platform.

 British and French rescue teams saved 157 migrants attempting to cross the English Channel after their overcrowded boat caught fire near the maritime boundary between the two countries on Tuesday, marking one of the largest rescue operations since official records began in 2018.

According to French authorities, the vessel caught fire after departing from Veules-les-Roses in Normandy en route to the United Kingdom. The blaze forced dozens of passengers to jump into the water before emergency responders from both countries launched a coordinated rescue mission.

Officials from the Pas-de-Calais prefecture confirmed that no fatalities or serious injuries were reported in the incident. Rescue vessels recovered all 157 migrants safely, preventing what could have become one of the deadliest Channel crossings in recent years.

Boat Caught Fire Midway

Authorities said the small boat caught fire near the maritime boundary separating French and British waters. The exact cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

French maritime services responded immediately after receiving distress alerts, while British rescue agencies also joined the operation as the incident unfolded close to UK territorial waters.

Officials described the rescue as one of the largest coordinated operations carried out in the Channel since systematic records of migrant crossings were introduced in 2018.

Channel Route Remains Migration Hotspot

The English Channel continues to be one of Europe's busiest and most dangerous migration routes. Thousands of migrants attempt the crossing every year by paying human smuggling networks to transport them in overcrowded inflatable boats.

According to official figures, more than 41,000 migrants reached the United Kingdom through the Channel route last year, making it the second-highest annual total since records began.

French authorities said the average number of people aboard each boat has increased sharply in recent years. While migrant boats carried around 26 passengers in 2021, the average has now risen to approximately 65 people per vessel, increasing safety risks during crossings.

Smuggling Networks Under Scrutiny

Investigators say organised smuggling gangs continue to profit by charging migrants thousands of dollars for the dangerous sea journey.

Witnesses have reported that boats used by traffickers have become significantly larger, with some stretching up to 12 metres in length compared with the earlier average of 8 to 10 metres. Despite their larger size, authorities warn that the vessels remain unsafe for rough Channel conditions.

Fatal Crossings Continue

The latest rescue comes amid continuing concerns over migrant safety in the English Channel.

Official data shows 29 migrants died while attempting the crossing in 2025, while at least 14 deaths have already been recorded this year. Search-and-rescue operations have become increasingly frequent as authorities struggle to prevent overcrowded boats from leaving the French coastline.

Migration Debate Intensifies in UK

The rescue also comes at a politically sensitive time as illegal migration remains a major issue in British politics.

The opposition Reform UK party has recently proposed deploying the Royal Navy to intercept migrant boats and escort them back to France. The party has also suggested that British commandos could be deployed on French beaches if necessary to prevent departures, a proposal that has been rejected by French officials as a violation of national sovereignty and international law.

British and French governments continue to cooperate on border security, surveillance and anti-smuggling operations, although migrant crossings across the Channel remain at historically high levels.

France and Spain are battling one of their most severe wildfire emergencies in recent years, with more than 220,000 people either evacuated or forced to leave their homes as fast-moving fires continue to spread across both countries.

Authorities say soaring temperatures, prolonged dry weather, and the growing impact of climate change have intensified the wildfires, making them extremely difficult to contain. Emergency services remain on high alert as firefighters race to protect residential areas and prevent further destruction.

Over Two Lakh People Displaced

According to official figures, around 141,000 residents in France have been evacuated as wildfires spread rapidly through several regions, particularly near Bordeaux.

In neighboring Spain, the government has declared a national emergency after multiple fires broke out across the country. Authorities have ordered 25,000 people to evacuate their homes, while nearly 40,000 residents have been advised to remain indoors because of hazardous smoke and deteriorating air quality.

The combined impact has affected more than 220,000 people, making it one of Europe's largest wildfire emergencies this year.

Extreme Heat and Climate Change Blamed

Emergency officials say the fires have been fueled by exceptionally high temperatures, dry vegetation, and strong winds.

According to reports, the flames spread so rapidly that firefighters were unable to attack some fire fronts directly, forcing authorities to prioritize evacuations and the protection of populated areas.

Scientists have repeatedly warned that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including prolonged heatwaves and destructive wildfires across southern Europe.

Firefighters Injured, No Deaths Reported in Current Blaze

French authorities confirmed that dozens of firefighters sustained injuries while battling the flames. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported in either France or Spain during the current wildfire crisis.

Emergency crews continue working around the clock to contain the fires despite difficult weather conditions.

Military Deployed to Fight the Fires

Spain has deployed its Military Emergency Unit (UME) to assist firefighters in controlling the rapidly advancing flames.

One of the primary operations is underway near the historic town of El Escorial, where emergency teams are attempting to stop the fire before it reaches residential neighborhoods.

Authorities are also monitoring another significant wildfire in Ávila Province, where firefighting operations remain ongoing.

Massive Traffic Jams During Evacuations

As evacuation orders were issued, thousands of residents attempted to leave affected areas simultaneously, resulting in kilometres-long traffic jams on major highways.

Images from the affected regions showed vehicles stretching for miles as families rushed to safer locations while smoke engulfed nearby forests.

Emergency officials urged residents to follow designated evacuation routes and avoid returning to affected areas until authorities declare them safe.

Thousands of Firefighters Continue Operations

Firefighters from several countries, including Spain, Morocco, Colombia, and Romania, have joined efforts to contain the flames.

Ground crews are working alongside helicopters and aircraft to slow the spread of the fires and protect homes, forests, and critical infrastructure.

Despite their efforts, officials warn that strong winds and dry conditions continue to create unpredictable fire behavior.

Earlier Wildfires Claimed 12 Lives

The current emergency comes only days after another devastating wildfire swept through Spain's Andalusia region, killing at least 12 people and leaving 19 others missing.

According to authorities, the fire spread rapidly after reportedly being triggered by the collapse of a power line, although investigators are still examining the exact cause.

Several victims were found trapped inside a vehicle while others died attempting to escape the fast-moving flames.

Officials said one of the vehicles appeared to be right-hand drive, raising the possibility that some victims may have been British nationals. The UK Foreign Office has been informed.

Europe Faces Another Severe Wildfire Season

The latest fires highlight the growing challenge Europe faces each summer as rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and changing climate patterns increase wildfire risks.

Authorities in both France and Spain have urged residents to remain vigilant, follow evacuation instructions, and avoid affected regions while emergency crews continue their operations.

With weather conditions expected to remain hot and dry, firefighters fear the situation could worsen before significant containment is achieved.

Played before a packed crowd, the contest delivered goals, attacking football and individual brilliance from both sides. Although neither team reached the final, the playoff carried significant importance as two of the tournament's strongest squads looked to finish their campaigns with a victory.

England took control early by moving the ball quickly through midfield and creating consistent pressure in the attacking third. Saka rewarded that dominance with his first goal before adding two more during the match to complete the first World Cup hat-trick of his international career. His pace, movement and finishing proved too much for the French defence throughout the contest.

The performance also highlighted England's attacking depth, with support from the midfield and wide areas allowing Saka to exploit spaces behind the French backline. The victory provided a positive ending for England after narrowly missing out on a place in the World Cup final.

France, however, continued to threaten whenever Kylian Mbappe was on the ball. The captain once again demonstrated why he remains one of the world's most dangerous forwards by finding the net and adding to his tournament tally. His goal further strengthened his position in the race for the Golden Boot, capping another outstanding individual World Cup campaign despite the disappointing team result.

Mbappe's pace and direct running created several opportunities for France, but England's defence recovered well after conceding and managed to limit further damage during key phases of the match.

The third-place playoff also offered both managers an opportunity to assess squad depth ahead of future international competitions. Several players delivered encouraging performances, while experienced campaigners ensured the game maintained its competitive intensity despite the disappointment of missing the final.

England's success reflected the progress the side has made during the tournament. The team combined defensive discipline with an effective attacking approach, producing several entertaining performances on the way to the semi-finals before falling short against stronger opposition.

For France, the defeat marked a disappointing conclusion to another deep World Cup run. Nevertheless, the squad leaves the tournament with several positives, including Mbappe's exceptional scoring record and the emergence of young players who are expected to remain central to the national team in the coming years.

As attention now shifts to the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain, England will take satisfaction from finishing third, while France will look back at missed opportunities despite possessing one of the tournament's most dangerous attacking line-ups.

England's victory ensures they return home with a medal and renewed confidence, whereas France will begin preparations for the next international cycle with the objective of once again challenging for football's biggest prize.

Neither side entered the tournament with the ambition of competing for bronze. France were beaten by Spain in the last four, while England suffered a narrow loss to defending champions Argentina after surrendering a first-half lead. The fixture now offers both European heavyweights an opportunity to leave the World Cup with a podium finish before the final takes centre stage.

The match also carries individual significance, particularly in the race for the tournament's Golden Boot. France captain Kylian Mbappe remains among the leading scorers and has one final opportunity to improve his tally. England skipper Harry Kane and midfielder Jude Bellingham are also in contention, making the Miami clash important beyond the bronze medal itself.

For France, the contest marks the final game under head coach Didier Deschamps, whose tenure is set to conclude after the tournament. Although Deschamps admitted that no team truly wants to play a third-place match after falling short of the final, he stressed that representing France and finishing the competition with a victory remains a responsibility for every player.

French defender Ibrahima Konate echoed that sentiment, saying the squad wants to give Deschamps a winning farewell following his successful spell in charge of the national team.

England, meanwhile, are attempting to recover from the disappointment of their semi-final defeat against Argentina. Harry Kane described the loss as heartbreaking but insisted the squad would regroup and continue building towards future tournaments. The Three Lions have enjoyed another deep World Cup run under their current setup and will now seek to secure third place before heading home.

Both managers are expected to make changes to their starting line-ups, with several players carrying minor fitness concerns after an intense tournament schedule. Squad rotation could also provide opportunities for footballers who have had limited minutes during the World Cup.

The third-place playoff has traditionally divided opinion, with some players viewing it as an unwanted fixture after missing out on the final. Nevertheless, it remains an official FIFA World Cup match and offers both teams a chance to end the competition with a victory and a place on the podium.

France have looked impressive throughout much of the tournament despite their semi-final setback, while England have shown resilience during their knockout run. Both teams possess attacking quality capable of producing an entertaining contest, with Mbappe and Kane expected to remain the main attractions.

The game will be played at Miami Stadium on Saturday, a day before Spain and Argentina meet in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. While the biggest prize is no longer within reach, pride, ranking points and individual milestones ensure there is still plenty at stake for two of world football's strongest nations.

France has approved a major defence cooperation initiative that will allow Ukraine to manufacture advanced missiles and precision-guided munitions on its own soil, marking a significant expansion of military support for Kyiv. The announcement came as other global developments unfolded, including a criminal probe recommendation against billionaire Elon Musk over alleged election-related payments and a renewed push in the United States to restrict birthright citizenship.

France Approves Local Missile Production in Ukraine

French President Emmanuel Macron announced at the Coalition of the Willing summit in Paris that Ukraine will receive licences to manufacture advanced Western weapons domestically, aiming to strengthen the country's defence production capabilities amid its ongoing war with Russia.

Under the new licensing agreements, Ukraine will be authorised to produce Aster-30 air defence interceptors, AASM precision-guided glide bombs, and SCALP-EG cruise missiles within its territory.

Macron also said France and Italy would supply additional air defence batteries and interceptor missiles to Ukraine in the coming weeks. He added that 16 Rafale fighter aircraft are expected to be delivered to Ukraine between 2028 and 2029.

The Coalition of the Willing, led by France and the United Kingdom, focuses on providing long-term security guarantees for Ukraine.

Russia criticised the initiative, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov describing it as a coalition seeking to prolong the conflict. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova alleged that NATO members were turning Ukraine into a testing ground for Western military technologies.

Bulgaria Distances Itself from Military Coalition

Meanwhile, Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev reiterated that Bulgaria is not part of the Western coalition providing continuous military assistance to Ukraine.

Speaking in Paris, Radev argued that the conflict should be resolved through diplomacy rather than increased weapons supplies, warning that further military assistance could prolong the war.

He noted that Bulgaria has already delivered 13 military aid packages to Ukraine and currently has no additional military equipment available for transfer.

According to reports, several countries—including Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic—have declined to participate in a proposed €70 billion US-backed military assistance package discussed during the recent NATO summit.

Elon Musk Faces Possible Criminal Investigation

In the United States, the Wisconsin Elections Commission has recommended a criminal investigation into billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk over allegations that he may have violated state election laws during the 2025 Wisconsin Supreme Court election.

The commission voted 5-1 to refer the matter to the Brown County District Attorney, who will decide within 40 days whether criminal charges should be pursued.

The complaints allege that Musk offered $1 million cheques to encourage voter participation through social media posts.

Musk reportedly spent at least $20 million supporting Republican-backed candidate Brad Schimel, who ultimately lost the election to Democratic-backed Susan Crawford. The contest became the most expensive judicial election in US history, with spending exceeding $100 million.

Musk is already facing a separate civil lawsuit alleging illegal voter incentives and violations of election laws.

Republicans Revive Birthright Citizenship Bill

Republican Senator Jim Banks has introduced legislation aimed at restricting automatic birthright citizenship in the United States.

The proposed bill seeks to deny automatic citizenship to children born in the US to individuals residing in the country illegally, aligning with President Donald Trump's immigration agenda.

The move follows the US Supreme Court's decision earlier this year to block Trump's executive order seeking similar restrictions, ruling that the measure was unconstitutional.

Banks argued that legislative action is necessary to address what he described as misuse of the immigration system. Other Republican lawmakers have also introduced related proposals, including measures targeting so-called "birth tourism."

The renewed debate is expected to become a significant issue in upcoming discussions on US immigration policy.

Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final with a commanding 2-0 victory over France in the first semifinal at AT&T Stadium in Dallas on Tuesday, ending a 16-year wait for another appearance in football's biggest match.

Mikel Oyarzabal converted a first-half penalty before defender Pedro Porro doubled Spain's lead after the break, as Luis de la Fuente's side outclassed the 2018 world champions to secure only their second-ever World Cup final appearance.

Spain will now play the winner of the second semifinal in the title clash, hoping to lift their second FIFA World Cup trophy after their historic triumph in South Africa in 2010.

Penalty Breakthrough

Spain made a bright start and earned the breakthrough in the 22nd minute after teenage sensation Lamine Yamal was brought down inside the penalty area. French defender Lucas Digne's challenge was ruled a foul following the referee's immediate decision to award a penalty.

Oyarzabal stepped up confidently and fired the ball into the bottom-right corner, leaving goalkeeper Mike Maignan with no chance. The strike was the Spanish forward's fifth goal of the tournament and gave La Roja complete control of the contest.

France attempted to respond with longer spells of possession but struggled to break through Spain's disciplined defensive structure.

Porro Seals the Victory

The European champions continued to dominate after halftime and effectively ended the contest in the 58th minute.

Midfielder Dani Olmo threaded a perfectly weighted pass into the penalty area, where Pedro Porro arrived to finish clinically and double Spain's advantage. The goal silenced France's hopes of a comeback and allowed Spain to dictate the tempo for the remainder of the match.

Spain maintained possession intelligently during the closing stages, denying France any meaningful opportunities to reduce the deficit.

Mbappé Neutralised

France entered the semifinal with one of the tournament's strongest attacking records, led by captain Kylian Mbappé, who had scored eight goals before the match.

However, Spain's organised backline successfully contained the French superstar throughout the evening. Mbappé was repeatedly caught offside, struggled to find space in dangerous areas and received a yellow card during the second half as frustration grew.

The defeat ended France's hopes of reaching a third consecutive FIFA World Cup final after appearances in 2018 and 2022.

Spain One Step Away

The victory underlines Spain's impressive resurgence on the global stage. Blending experienced leaders such as Rodri and Dani Olmo with emerging talents like Lamine Yamal, the team has displayed consistency throughout the tournament.

After lifting their only World Cup title in 2010, Spain endured disappointing campaigns in the following editions. Their return to the final marks a significant milestone for a new generation aiming to restore the country's dominance in international football.

France, meanwhile, exits the tournament despite another strong campaign, with questions likely to arise over missed opportunities in a semifinal where Spain controlled both possession and momentum.

With confidence high and just one match remaining, Spain now stands within touching distance of reclaiming football's biggest prize after 16 years.

The contest has quickly become one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament. France arrive with one of the competition’s most explosive attacks, while Spain have built their campaign on defensive discipline, ball control and tactical consistency. The clash also brings together two of the game's biggest stars—France captain Kylian Mbappé and Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.

Didier Deschamps’ side has looked clinical from the opening group-stage fixture. France progressed through the tournament with victories over Senegal, Iraq and Norway before eliminating Sweden, Paraguay and Morocco in the knockout rounds. The French attack, led by Mbappé alongside Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise, has consistently punished opponents with pace and precision.

Spain’s journey has been equally impressive but built on a different philosophy. The reigning European champions have relied on possession-based football, intelligent pressing and one of the strongest defensive records in the competition. Goalkeeper Unai Simón has been a standout performer, while midfield control has allowed Spain to dictate the tempo against every opponent they have faced.

Much of the attention before kick-off has centred on the individual duel between Mbappé and Yamal. The two players, who already know each other well from Spanish football, will meet for the first time on the World Cup stage. Mbappé remains among the tournament's leading scorers, while 18-year-old Yamal has once again emerged as one of Spain's biggest creative threats.

Yamal has made it clear that Spain will not be overawed by France's reputation. Following Spain's quarter-final victory, the youngster said his team had no reason to fear Les Bleus and believed France should instead be wary of Spain's quality. His comments have added another layer of intrigue to a fixture already carrying enormous significance.

History also adds weight to the occasion. France are attempting to reach a third consecutive FIFA World Cup final, a feat achieved by only a handful of nations in tournament history. Spain, meanwhile, are aiming to return to the World Cup summit for the first time since lifting the trophy in 2010 and have won their last two competitive meetings against France, including victories at UEFA Euro 2024 and the 2025 UEFA Nations League Finals.

Football analysts have described the semi-final as a battle between contrasting styles rather than simply two elite squads. France's direct attacking approach has overwhelmed opponents throughout the tournament, whereas Spain have preferred patient build-up play and territorial dominance. Which philosophy prevails could decide who books the first place in the World Cup final.

The winner of Tuesday's encounter will advance to the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, where either defending champions Argentina or England await. With four former world champions making up this year's semi-final lineup, the tournament has produced one of the strongest final-four fields in World Cup history.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has entered its decisive stage with four football powerhouses—France, Spain, Argentina and England—set to battle for a place in the final after a month-long tournament featuring an expanded 48-team format.

The first semi-final will see France take on Spain at Dallas Stadium in Arlington on July 14, while defending champions Argentina will face England at Atlanta Stadium a day later in one of international football's most anticipated rivalries.

The winners will advance to the World Cup final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium near New York City.

Argentina Continue Title Defence

Argentina booked the final semi-final berth after overcoming Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in Kansas City.

Alexis Mac Allister gave Argentina the lead before Dan Ndoye equalised for Switzerland. With the match heading into extra time, Julian Alvarez produced a spectacular strike before Lautaro Martinez sealed victory with a late goal.

The defending champions are now aiming to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to retain the FIFA World Cup title.

England End Norway Challenge

England reached the last four after defeating Norway 2-1 after extra time in Miami.

Midfielder Jude Bellingham scored twice to inspire England, although head coach Thomas Tuchel admitted his side was fortunate despite securing qualification.

"The result is fantastic. The last four is amazing, but not happy with the performance. We were very lucky today," Tuchel said after the match.

England have now reached only their fourth FIFA World Cup semi-final, following appearances in 1966, 1990 and 2018. They continue their quest for a first major international trophy since lifting the World Cup on home soil in 1966.

Historic Argentina-England Rivalry Renewed

The semi-final between Argentina and England will revive one of football's most historic rivalries.

The fixture comes 40 years after the famous 1986 World Cup quarter-final, where Diego Maradona inspired Argentina to victory with the iconic "Hand of God" goal and one of the greatest solo goals in football history.

For Lionel Messi, the upcoming match will mark his 206th international appearance and notably his first-ever match against England at senior international level.

The contest also carries historical significance because of the long-standing sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands, although Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni insisted the focus remains solely on football.

"This is a football game. We are playing against a very tough opponent with an excellent coach. That's all," Scaloni said.

France and Spain Eye Final Spot

The opening semi-final features two European heavyweights in a repeat of the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-final, where Spain defeated France before eventually winning the continental title.

Spain will once again look to teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who celebrates his 19th birthday just before the match. Although he arrived at the tournament carrying an injury and has scored only once in six matches, the Barcelona star remains central to Spain's attacking plans.

Captain Rodri urged patience, saying Yamal is still learning despite his extraordinary talent.

France, meanwhile, enter the contest led by Kylian Mbappe, who has enjoyed another outstanding tournament with eight goals, including one in the quarter-final victory over Morocco.

Mbappe is level with Messi in the race for the Golden Boot and sits just one goal behind the Argentine captain's all-time World Cup scoring record.

Off-Field Controversy

Ahead of the France-Spain encounter, comments made by former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy sparked controversy after he questioned the composition of the French national team in an opinion article.

The remarks were criticised by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who described them as xenophobic, while French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez called the comments "absolutely unacceptable."

Despite the off-field debate, attention is expected to shift quickly to two high-profile semi-finals that promise world-class football and determine the finalists of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Spain booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals after defeating Belgium 2-1 in a dramatic quarter-final at SoFi Stadium, with Mikel Merino once again emerging as the match-winner.

Merino scored the decisive goal in the 88th minute, just four days after his injury-time winner against Portugal in the Round of 16, sending La Roja into a highly anticipated last-four showdown against France.

The Arsenal midfielder capitalised on a costly error by Belgium substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who spilled Pau Cubarsí's long-range effort into Merino's path. The Spanish midfielder made no mistake, firing home on just his second touch after coming off the bench.

Ruiz Opens the Scoring

Spain took the lead in the 30th minute when Fabián Ruiz converted from close range after a rebound, rewarding the team's early dominance.

Belgium responded before halftime through Charles De Ketelaere, whose powerful header in the 41st minute ended Spain's remarkable run of not conceding a goal throughout the tournament. It was also goalkeeper Unai Simón's first goal conceded in a World Cup after a record 650-minute shutout streak dating back to Qatar.

Merino Delivers Again

With the match seemingly heading towards extra time, Merino once again proved to be Spain's unlikely hero. Introduced in the 86th minute, he anticipated Lammens' handling error and calmly slotted home the winner two minutes later.

Speaking after the match, Merino admitted the moment felt surreal.

"Honestly, it's crazy to help the team once again. I prepare for when the moment comes, and hopefully they keep coming," he said.

The midfielder has now scored two crucial knockout-stage goals in his debut World Cup campaign.

Courtois Injury Hurts Belgium

Belgium suffered a major setback in the second half when first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off with an injury after receiving treatment on the field.

His replacement, Senne Lammens, made several important interventions but was unfortunate in the closing stages as his spill led directly to Spain's winning goal.

Belgium pushed hard for an equaliser in stoppage time, with Romelu Lukaku leading the attack, but Spain's defence held firm to secure victory.

Semi-final Showdown Awaits

The win sends Spain into their first FIFA World Cup semi-final since lifting the trophy in 2010. They will now face France in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday in what promises to be one of the biggest matches of the tournament.

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente expressed confidence ahead of the clash.

"It will be a clash of giants. We are capable of winning this game. France are a great football nation, but I trust our team."

Spain extended their unbeaten run in competitive matches to 37 games, while Belgium's impressive 18-match unbeaten streak came to an end.

The semi-final between two of Europe's football powerhouses is expected to be one of the marquee fixtures of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Led by captain Kylian Mbappe, the French side controlled key moments of the contest and eventually found the breakthrough in the second half after Morocco had resisted sustained pressure for much of the match.

France began aggressively and looked dangerous from the opening whistle. Their first major opportunity arrived in the fifth minute when Dayot Upamecano met a delivery inside the box, but Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produced an excellent save to keep the scores level.

The European side continued to push forward and created several chances during the opening period. Morocco, however, remained disciplined defensively and relied on Bounou's reflexes to stay in the contest.

One of the biggest moments of the first half came when France were awarded a penalty after Noussair Mazraoui was adjudged to have fouled Mbappe inside the box. The French captain stepped up to take the spot-kick, but Bounou once again came to Morocco's rescue with a crucial save that kept hopes alive for the African side.

Despite dominating possession and territory, France were unable to break the deadlock before the interval. Morocco's defensive organisation frustrated the 2018 world champions, and the teams went into half-time with the score still level.

The momentum shifted decisively after the break.

France increased the tempo of their attacks and began stretching the Moroccan defence with quicker passing and movement in the final third. Their persistence was rewarded in the 60th minute when Mbappe produced a superb curling finish to beat Bounou and give his side a deserved 1-0 lead.

The goal was particularly significant for the French skipper, taking his tally in the tournament to eight goals and strengthening his position among the competition's leading scorers.

Morocco barely had time to recover before France struck again.

Six minutes after opening the scoring, Mbappe turned provider. His precise pass found Ousmane Dembele in space, and the winger calmly finished to double France's advantage. The goal put Didier Deschamps' side firmly in control and left Morocco facing an uphill battle.

From that point onward, France managed the game effectively. Their midfield dictated possession while the defence prevented Morocco from creating clear-cut opportunities. The African side attempted to push forward in search of a comeback, but France remained organised and composed throughout the closing stages.

The final whistle confirmed a 2-0 victory and another major milestone for the French national team.

France's latest semi-final appearance continues an impressive run on football's biggest stage. The team lifted the World Cup trophy in 2018 and finished runners-up in 2022. Their qualification for the 2026 semi-finals further underlines their consistency at the highest level of international football.

For Morocco, the defeat brought an end to a memorable tournament journey. The team once again demonstrated resilience and defensive discipline, but ultimately struggled to contain France's attacking quality in the second half.

France will now turn their attention to the semi-finals, where they will look to move one step closer to another World Cup final appearance. The first semi-final is scheduled to be played on July 15, with the French side aiming to keep their title ambitions alive.

Mbappe has already scored seven goals in the competition and trails Messi by just one strike. A goal against Morocco would see the France forward overtake the Argentine icon and strengthen his position among the leading contenders for the tournament’s top scorer award.

France enter the quarter-final in commanding form. Didier Deschamps’ side have won all five of their matches so far and have looked increasingly dominant with every outing. Their campaign began with convincing victories over Norway, Iraq and Senegal in the group stage before they comfortably overcame Sweden in the Round of 32. A narrow but disciplined 1-0 win over Paraguay in the Round of 16 secured their place in the last eight.

The French attack has been one of the most effective units in the tournament, with Mbappe leading the charge alongside a talented supporting cast that includes Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola. Their ability to create chances from wide areas and transition quickly has troubled opponents throughout the competition.

Standing in their way is a Morocco side that continues to defy expectations. Widely regarded as one of the tournament’s surprise packages, Morocco remain unbeaten and have earned a reputation for resilience and defensive discipline.

Their journey to the quarter-finals has included victories over Haiti, Scotland and Canada, while they also held Brazil to a draw during the group stage. Morocco’s Round of 32 encounter against the Netherlands went to penalties after a hard-fought draw, with the African side emerging victorious in the shootout.

The match also carries an element of unfinished business. France and Morocco last met at a FIFA World Cup during the 2022 semi-final, where France secured a 2-0 victory. Morocco will be eager to rewrite that script and reach another historic milestone on the world stage.

Historically, France have enjoyed the upper hand in this fixture. The two nations have met six times in international football, with France winning four matches. Morocco have registered one victory, while one encounter ended in a draw. This will be only the second World Cup meeting between the sides.

One of the most intriguing battles could unfold between Mbappe and Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi. The two players share a close friendship off the field through their time together at club level, but on Wednesday night they will find themselves on opposite sides of a crucial tactical duel.

Hakimi has been central to Morocco’s defensive success and will be tasked with limiting the influence of one of the most dangerous attackers in world football. How effectively Morocco contain Mbappe could go a long way in determining the outcome of the contest.

While Morocco’s defensive structure and counter-attacking threat make them dangerous opponents, France appear to have greater squad depth and attacking firepower. However, knockout football often produces unexpected twists, and Morocco have already demonstrated their ability to frustrate and overcome stronger opponents.

With a semi-final berth at stake and individual milestones within reach, the quarter-final promises a compelling contest between one of football’s traditional powerhouses and a team determined to continue its remarkable World Cup run.