How the 2022 World Cup semifinal round is shaping up

The quarterfinal round is underway at the 2022 World Cup with matches taking place Friday and Saturday. That means we’ll be down to the final four teams for the World Cup by the middle of the day Saturday and we’ll know the semifinal matchups. Here’s a look at which teams have advanced to the semifinal round and how they got there.

Who has qualified for World Cup semifinals

Croatia (Group F, defeated Japan in round of 16 on penalties, defeated Brazil in quarterfinal on penalties)

It has become a familiar story for the 2018 World Cup runners-up. Croatia found a way to get a late equalizer against Brazil in extra time to tie the score at 1-1 before once again going to penalty kicks. Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic only made one save but another Brazil shot in the post and bounced out to give Croatia a huge upset over the odds-on favorites at DraftKings Sportsbook. The veteran European squad moves on.

Argentina (Group C, defeated Australia in round of 16, defeated Netherlands in quarterfinal on penalties)

It looked like Argentina were going to crash and burn after the Dutch scored two goals after the 80th minute, including one on the last kick of regulation, to tie the match 2-2. This one went to another penalty shootout, bringing back memories of the 2014 clash between the two sides in the semifinal of the World Cup. Just like that game, Argentina came out on top and will now face Croatia in the semifinal.

Morocco (Group F, defeated Spain in round of 16 on penalties, defeated Portugal in quarterfinal)

Morocco become the first African nation to make the semifinal round in World Cup history, defeating Portugal 1-0 after eliminating their Iberian peninsula neighbors Spain in the round of 16. Both Group F teams have qualified for the semifinal round and they have a chance to meet up in the final.

France (Group D, defeated Poland in round of 16, defeated England in quarterfinal)

The defending champions got a good scare from England but Harry Kane missed his second penalty kick of the match after making his first, which was eventually the difference in a 2-1 result. France will now play Morocco, who have killed off Belgium, Spain and Portugal in this World Cup already.