2026 FIFA World Cup Quarter-Finals. The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached the quarter-finals. Eight nations remain from the 48 that kicked off the tournament in North America, and all remaining matches will be played exclusively on American soil. France, Morocco, Spain, Belgium, Norway, England, Argentina and Switzerland are the last eight standing, setting up one of the most compelling quarter-final line-ups in recent World Cup history.
The Round of 16 delivered several seismic results: all three co-host nations — Canada, USA and Mexico — were eliminated. Cristiano Ronaldo played his final World Cup match, bowing out after Portugal’s 1-0 defeat to Spain, ending a six-tournament career with 11 goals in 27 appearances. Norway stunned five-time world champions Brazil. England ended Mexico’s unbeaten Azteca World Cup record in a 3-2 thriller. Spain became the first team in World Cup history to register six consecutive clean sheets.
Quarter-Final fixtures at a glance
| Date (EAT) | Match | Venue | KO (EAT) |
| Thu 9 Jul | France vs Morocco | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough | 23:00 |
| Fri 11 Jul | Spain vs Belgium | SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles | 22:00 |
| Sun 13 Jul | Norway vs England | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens | 00:00 |
| Sun 13 Jul | Argentina vs Switzerland | Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City | 04:00 |
France vs Morocco — Thursday, 9 July 2026 — 23:00 EAT
Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough (Boston area), Massachusetts. How they got here: France beat Sweden 3-1 and Paraguay 1-0 (Mbappé penalty). Morocco beat Netherlands on penalties and Canada 3-0 (Ounahi brace).
A rematch of the 2022 World Cup semi-final — won 2-0 by France in Qatar — this fixture carries the weight of history. Kylian Mbappé leads the golden boot race with seven goals, alongside Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola in a devastating attacking unit. France have won all six of their tournament matches. Morocco’s Azzedine Ounahi scored a brace against Canada and the Atlas Lions are the only African team remaining. Their captain Achraf Hakimi leads from the back. Morocco will seek revenge for their 2022 semi-final exit.
TEAM NEWS: Tchouéméni (France, thigh) and Thuram (France, calf) both doubtful. Saibari (Morocco, hamstring — forced off 22’ vs Canada) major doubt.
Spain vs Belgium — Friday, 11 July 2026 — 22:00 EAT
Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, Los Angeles, California. How they got here: Spain beat Portugal 1-0 (Merino late winner). Belgium beat USA 4-1.
Spain made history by recording six consecutive World Cup clean sheets in beating Portugal. Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Pedri and Rodri form a midfield and forward unit of exceptional quality under Luis de la Fuente. Belgium routed the USA 4-1, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring a brace and Hans Vanaken also finding the net. Belgium have scored 17 tournament goals. Their only problem: Amadou Onana is ruled out with a knee injury. Spain have not lost to Belgium since 1980.
TEAM NEWS: Onana (Belgium) OUT — knee. Vanaken starts. De Bruyne and Doku status uncertain.
Norway vs England — Sunday, 13 July 2026 — 00:00 EAT (midnight)
Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida. How they got here: Norway beat Brazil 2-1 (Haaland double). England beat Mexico 3-2 (Bellingham double) at Estadio Azteca.
Norway’s stunning elimination of Brazil — Erling Haaland’s double maintaining Norway’s all-time unbeaten record against the Seleção — is the tournament’s most remarkable result. Haaland has scored in each of his last 14 competitive Norway appearances, with 27 goals in that run. He leads the golden boot race alongside Messi and Mbappé with seven goals. England’s Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane have combined for 10 of England’s 11 tournament goals. England won 3-2 in a gripping finish at the Azteca, ending Mexico’s unbeaten World Cup record there.
TEAM NEWS: Quansah (England) SUSPENDED — red card vs Mexico. Spence starts. Norway unchanged.
Argentina vs Switzerland — Sunday, 13 July 2026 — 04:00 EAT
Venue: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri. How they got here: Argentina beat Egypt (came back from 2-0 down, Messi inspired). Switzerland beat Colombia on penalties after a goalless draw.
Defending champions Argentina survived two major tournament scares — extra-time against Cape Verde and a 2-0 deficit against Egypt before Messi inspired an epic comeback. Messi leads the golden boot race with seven goals. Julian Álvarez and the returning starters from rotation add depth. Switzerland made their first World Cup quarter-final since 1954 by beating Colombia on penalties in a goalless draw after 120 minutes. Their defensive record has been outstanding throughout — Manuel Akanji and Nico Elvedi providing an excellent platform. Breel Embolo and Johan Manzambi carry the attacking threat.
TEAM NEWS: Switzerland’s Zakaria and Jaquez remain out (injuries). Confirm replacements. Argentina: Medina carrying knock — Tagliafico deputising.
Where to watch
DSTV/GOTV
Fans can also track live scores, results and tournament updates via the SportPesa Score app.
Where to bet
All quarter-final markets are available on SportPesa.
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