The 2026 FIFA World Cup is now at a thrilling juncture, with the quarter-finals kicking off on July 10 (IST) after nearly a month of intense football action across North America. What began as a massive 48-team tournament on June 11 has whittled down to just eight teams still vying for the ultimate glory in the sport. Defending champions Argentina are still in the mix, joined by heavyweights France, Spain, and England, while underdogs Norway, Morocco, and Switzerland are turning heads and defying expectations. With only three matches standing between these teams and the coveted trophy, every little mistake could prove costly.
One of the standout moments from the Round of 16 was Argentina’s nail-biting escape against Egypt. Lionel Messi led a remarkable comeback after his team found themselves two goals down, turning the tide late in the second half. Meanwhile, Spain, France, and Belgium advanced with solid performances, while Norway pulled off a stunning upset against Brazil, winning 2-1 and making history by reaching the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time. England also faced a tough challenge against Mexico but managed to keep their hopes alive.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter-Finals Full Schedule
The quarter-finals kick off with France going head-to-head against Morocco in Boston on July 10 at 1:30 AM IST. Following that, Spain will take on Belgium in Los Angeles on July 11 at 12:30 AM IST, setting the stage for an exciting showdown between two European powerhouses. The action continues on July 12, starting with Norway facing England in Miami at 2:30 AM IST, followed by Argentina squaring off against Switzerland in Kansas City at 6:30 AM IST. The winners of the France vs. Morocco and Spain vs. Belgium matches will clash in one semi-final, while the other semi-final will feature the victors from Norway vs. England and Argentina vs. Switzerland.
Why These Matches Carry Extra Weight
The quarter-finals are about more than just a ticket to the semi-finals. France and Morocco are set to reignite their rivalry from the 2022 World Cup semi-final, with Morocco eager for revenge and hoping for another impressive run. The clash between Spain and Belgium is shaping up to be a fascinating showdown of styles, where Spain’s possession game will face off against Belgium’s more direct tactics. And then there’s the match between Norway and England, which will shine a spotlight on two of the tournament’s biggest stars: Erling Haaland and Harry Kane.
On the other hand, Argentina comes in with a wave of momentum, but they also have some red flags after their close call against Egypt. Meanwhile, Switzerland, fresh off a thrilling penalty shootout victory over Colombia, sees a golden opportunity to knock out the defending champions and make their mark in the tournament.
