The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached its quarter-final stage, and what a ride it has been. With eight teams left standing after a breathtaking round of 16, the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico is delivering drama, upsets, and unforgettable moments.
๐ณ๐ด Norway Stuns Five-Time Champions Brazil ๐ง๐ท
The biggest shock of the tournament so far belongs to Norway. Erling Haaland produced a heroic performance, scoring two goals in the final 10 minutes to knock Brazil out of the World Cup with a 2-1 victory. Brazil led through an early penalty, but Haaland’s brute force and clinical finishing turned the game on its head.
Norway, appearing in their first ever World Cup quarter-final, will now face England in what promises to be a colossal clash. Stรฅle Solbakken’s tactical masterclass โ substituting both wingers at half-time โ proved decisive as substitutes Andreas Schjelderup and Oscar Bobb changed the game.
๐ฆ๐ท Messi’s Magic & VAR Drama vs Egypt ๐ช๐ฌ
Argentina pulled off a Great Escape against Egypt, trailing 2-0 deep into the second half before storming back to win 3-2 in stoppage time. Enzo Fernรกndez scored the dramatic winner, but the match was overshadowed by VAR controversy โ a disallowed Egyptian goal and a string of yellow cards sparked accusations of political influence from Egypt’s camp.
“We were cheated,” Egypt coach Hassan said after the match. Critics have questioned whether FIFA wanted to keep defending champions Argentina and global icon Lionel Messi in the competition. Switzerland await Argentina in the quarter-finals after the Swiss knocked out Colombia on penalties following a goalless draw.
๐ง๐ช Belgium Crushes Hosts USA ๐บ๐ธ
In a match dominated by off-field controversy, the United States crashed out of their home World Cup with a humbling 4-1 defeat to Belgium. The controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun’s red card โ controversially overturned after reported intervention by Donald Trump with FIFA โ hung over the tournament like a dark cloud.
Belgium showed their class, with Charles De Ketelaere, Romelu Lukaku, and Leandro Trossard running riot. A goalkeeping error from Matt Freese sealed USA’s fate. “We didn’t connect with the game,” admitted US coach Mauricio Pochettino. For the third consecutive World Cup, the US exits at the round of 16.
๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ England Edges Mexico in Thriller ๐ฒ๐ฝ
Jude Bellingham inspired England to a 3-2 victory over Mexico in a pulsating encounter. The Three Lions showed resilience, coming from behind to secure their place in the last eight. England now face a dangerous Norway side led by the tournament’s top scorer, Erling Haaland.
๐ฎ Quarter-Final Fixtures & Predictions
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (BST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu 9 Jul | France vs Morocco | Atlanta, GA | 21:00 |
| Fri 10 Jul | Spain vs Belgium | Mexico City, MX | 20:00 |
| Sat 11 Jul | Norway vs England | Los Angeles, CA | 22:00 |
| Sun 12 Jul | Argentina vs Switzerland | Vancouver, CA | 02:00 |
Semi-Finals: Tue 14 Jul & Wed 15 Jul | Final: Sun 19 Jul in New York/New Jersey
โ Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the top scorer at World Cup 2026?
Erling Haaland leads the Golden Boot race with 7 goals in 4 matches, including his brilliant double against Brazil in the round of 16.
When and where is the 2026 World Cup Final?
The final will be played on Sunday, 19 July 2026 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (New York metropolitan area), kicking off at 20:00 BST (15:00 ET).
Which teams are the favorites to win the World Cup now?
With Brazil eliminated, France, England, and Argentina remain the bookmakers’ top three favorites. However, Norway’s incredible run and Belgium’s clinical form make them dangerous dark horses.