The 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals will kick off on Thursday 9 June. Eight nations will battle for a place in the last four. Europe dominates the final eight with six teams, while South America and Africa each have one representative.
The Round of 16 produced several major upsets as all three co-hosts exited the tournament. Defending champions Argentina survived a late scare against Egypt, while Morocco continued their remarkable run to keep Africa’s hopes alive.
The quarterfinals will be played between 9 July and 11 July across four stadiums in the United States. The winners will advance to the semifinals on 14 and 15 July, before the final takes place at MetLife Stadium on 19 July.
FIFA WORLD CUP QUARTERFINAL FIXTURES
- Thursday, 9 July: France vs Morocco – Gillette Stadium – 22:00
- Friday, 10 July: Spain vs Belgium – Los Angeles Stadium – 21:00
- Saturday, 11 July: Norway vs England – Miami Stadium – 23:00
- Sunday, 12 July: Argentina vs Switzerland – Kansas City Stadium – 03:00.
MOROCCO CHASE HISTORY
The opening quarterfinal pits France against Morocco in a repeat of the 2022 FIFA World Cup semifinal. France edged past Paraguay 1-0, while Morocco stunned co-hosts Canada 3-0 to become the first African nation to reach consecutive World Cup quarterfinals.
Spain booked their place after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Portugal. Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal in stoppage time. They now face a confident Belgium side that swept aside the United States 4-1.
BIG HITTERS COLLIDE
Norway face England in one of the standout ties of the round. The match will pit Erling Haaland against Harry Kane after Norway shocked Brazil 2-1, while England edged Mexico 3-2 despite playing much of the match with 10 men.
Defending champions Argentina continue their title defence against Switzerland after surviving a dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt. Lionel Messi’s side now face a Swiss team that reached the quarterfinals by beating Colombia 4-3 on penalties.
The four quarterfinal winners will progress to the semifinals before competing for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium.
WHO DO YOU EXPECT TO WIN THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP?
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