The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached its dramatic quarter-final stage, and what a tournament it has been so far. From Lionel Messi’s tear-jerking comeback victory to Erling Haaland’s heroics, the expanded 48-team World Cup in North America is delivering unforgettable moments.
Here is your complete guide to the four mouth-watering quarter-final matchups and the storylines that have defined the tournament.
🐐 Argentina’s Miracle Comeback Keeps Messi’s Dream Alive
Lionel Messi added yet another legendary chapter to his career as Argentina staged a stunning 3-2 comeback against Egypt. Trailing 2-0 with less than 20 minutes remaining, the reigning champions looked destined for elimination. Then came the magic.
Messi set up Cristian Romero’s header, scored a brilliant left-footed strike himself, and watched Enzo Fernandez head home the winner in stoppage time. The image of Messi in tears — first of despair, then of relief — will be etched in World Cup folklore forever. Egypt have since lodged an official complaint with FIFA over what they call “double standards” in officiating.
Argentina’s reward? A quarter-final against Switzerland, who beat Colombia on penalties to reach this stage for the first time since 1954.
🇳🇴 Kane vs Haaland — A Striker Duel for the Ages
The most anticipated quarter-final pits England against Norway in what promises to be a goal-fest. On one side, Erling Haaland has scored 7 goals in 4 games and single-handedly knocked out Brazil with a brace. On the other, Harry Kane has 6 goals and became England’s all-time leading World Cup scorer.
Both strikers are in the form of their lives. Haaland has scored in 14 consecutive internationals (27 goals in that run), while Kane scored 73 goals for club and country in 2025/26 alone. Norway have never reached a World Cup semi-final. England have only won 3 of their 11 quarter-finals. Something has to give.
🇫🇷 France vs Morocco — A 2022 Semi-Final Rematch
Four years after France beat Morocco in the World Cup semi-final in Qatar, the two sides meet again in Atlanta. France remain dangerous with Kylian Mbappe chasing both the Golden Boot and the all-time World Cup scoring record, while Morocco are undefeated in 34 consecutive matches stretching back to 2023.
🇪🇸 Spain vs Belgium — Attack vs Defence
Belgium have scored 13 goals in the tournament (third-most), while Spain have yet to concede a single goal — a record six consecutive World Cup clean sheets. This classic attack-versus-defence clash will determine who faces the winner of France vs Morocco in the semi-finals.
🗓 Quarter-Final Schedule (Eastern Time)
- Thursday, July 9 — France vs Morocco (5:00 PM ET, Atlanta Stadium)
- Friday, July 10 — Spain vs Belgium (4:00 PM ET, Los Angeles Stadium)
- Saturday, July 11 — Norway vs England (6:00 PM ET, Miami Stadium)
- Sunday, July 12 — Argentina vs Switzerland (2:00 AM ET, Kansas City Stadium)
🏆 Golden Boot Race (Top 5)
- Lionel Messi (Argentina) — 8 goals
- Erling Haaland (Norway) — 7 goals
- Kylian Mbappe (France) — 6 goals
- Harry Kane (England) — 6 goals
- Romelu Lukaku (Belgium) — 3 goals (off the bench!)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the top scorer of World Cup 2026?
Lionel Messi currently leads with 8 goals, having scored in six consecutive knockout-phase games — a World Cup record.
Where can I watch the World Cup quarter-finals?
Matches will be broadcast globally. In the US, check Fox Sports. In the UK, BBC and ITV will share coverage. BBC One will show France vs Morocco and Spain vs Belgium live.
Which teams are favourites to win?
Argentina remain favourites as reigning champions, but France, England, and Spain are all in formidable form. With the expanded knockout format and VAR drama at every turn, no team can be counted out.