From Beckham's presence to the battle between Holland and Kane; The quarter-finals are at their peak

Afghan Voice Agency (AVA): The 2026 World Cup is at its most critical stage; Where every game can change the fate of a team forever. In the quarter-finals, the giants of world football have faced each other and each team has used all its strength to reach the semi-finals and the dream of the championship. Last night, Spain, with the brilliance of their saving angel Mikel Merino again, passed the Belgian barrier and entered the top four teams of the World Cup. On the other side of the field, Belgium had a bitter farewell with Courtois' injury and individual mistakes.

Spain reached the semi-finals by passing Belgium; Merino was the saving angel again
Result: Spain 2-1 Belgium
The Spanish national football team defeated Belgium 2-1 in the second match of the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup and advanced to the semi-finals.

Spain scored in the 30th minute through Fabian Reuz and Belgium tied the game in the 41st minute with a header from Charles Dektel. But in the 88th minute, Mikel Merino, who had also scored Spain's winning goal against Portugal in the round of 16, was once again the savior of La Roja, scoring the second goal after a mistake by the Belgian substitute goalkeeper to send Spain into the semi-finals.

Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois left the field in the 71st minute with a quadriceps injury and was unable to continue the game. After the game, he said in tears about the possibility of saying goodbye to the national team: "I would like to take a year off from the national team... If the Belgian Football Federation opposes it, maybe today would be my last game."

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia criticized his players' individual mistakes after the game, saying: "You can't make mistakes at this level... It cost Belgium the World Cup."

Spain will face France in the semi-finals. Spain's 18-year-old star, Lamine Yamal, who was named the best player of the match, said about the match against France: "We are not afraid of France and if they are afraid of any team, it is Spain. We are the only team that has beaten France twice."

Argentina - Switzerland; Messi and friends seek the lead in the 23rd World Cup
The national football teams of Argentina and Switzerland will face each other in the last match of the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup, tomorrow morning (Sunday - Kabul time) at the Kansas City Stadium.

Argentina, which topped Group J with three consecutive victories in the group stage, defeated Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time in the round of 16 and overcame Egypt 3-2 in the round of 16 with a goal in the 90th minute + 3 by Enzo Fernandez.

Lionel Messi, who has scored eight goals in his sixth World Cup appearance and is the top scorer, is considered the most important player for Argentina. He is also the all-time leading scorer with 21 goals in the tournament.

Switzerland, who are making their 13th appearance at the World Cup, have reached the quarter-finals for the first time since 1954. They qualified with a 2-0 win over Colombia on penalties. Granit Xhaka is the key to Switzerland's game, with a solid presence in the heart of midfield.

Norway v England; Vikings and Three Lions clash in the Magic City
The national football teams of Norway and England will face each other in one of the most crucial quarter-final matches of the 2026 World Cup, tomorrow morning at the Miami Stadium.

England qualified for the knockout stages as Group L leaders with seven points, and in the round of 16, despite being reduced to 10 men, they defeated the hosts Mexico 3-2. Harry Kane (6 goals) and Jude Bellingham (4 goals and 1 assist) are the key players for the Three Lions in this tournament.

Norway, however, produced one of the biggest surprises in World Cup history, defeating Brazil 2-1 in the round of 16 to reach the last eight for the first time. Erling Haaland scored seven goals in his World Cup debut and is a serious contender for the top scorer title, alongside Messi and Mbappe.