The 2026 FIFA World Cup is heating up as the quarter-finals deliver edge-of-your-seat action. With France taking on Morocco in a rematch of their 2022 semi-final showdown and England gearing up to face Norway, the race for the trophy is wide open. Here’s your complete guide to today’s action.
France vs Morocco: A Quarter-Final Rerun
The headline match of the day sees France lock horns with Morocco at 4:00 PM EST in Boston. It’s a replay of the 2022 World Cup semi-final where France emerged victorious, but this Morocco team is a different beast. Since then, Morocco have conquered Africa and climbed to 6th in the FIFA World Rankings. They’ve proven their mettle in this tournament, topping a tricky Group C alongside Brazil and overpowering both the Netherlands and co-hosts Canada in the knockout stages.
France, meanwhile, have been quietly dominant. They swept through Group I with a perfect 9-point record, including a stunning Ousmane Dembélé hat-trick against Norway. Their depth and experience — having reached the final in both 2018 (win) and 2022 (runners-up) — make them formidable, but Morocco’s hunger for revenge and their organized defensive structure could spring another surprise.
England vs Norway: The Arsenal Connection
All eyes will also be on the England vs Norway quarter-final, featuring a fascinating subplot: Arsenal teammates Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard go head-to-head for a place in the semi-finals. Both players were instrumental in Arsenal’s Premier League title triumph, but now they must put club unity aside for national pride.
England’s defense will be tested without Jarrad Branthwaite — the young center-back has been handed a two-match ban by FIFA following his red card against Mexico in the Round of 16. The ban is a significant blow to Gareth Southgate’s defensive plans, but England’s attacking firepower remains world-class.
Other Quarter-Final Results
The quarter-finals have already served up drama:
- Switzerland knocked out Colombia on penalties in a tense shootout to book their semi-final spot.
- Argentina edged past Cape Verde after a scare that nearly produced the shock of the tournament.
- Egypt advanced past Australia in a penalty shootout after Australia’s risky goalkeeper gamble backfired.
Upcoming Quarter-Final Schedule
| Match | Date | Time (EST) |
|---|---|---|
| France vs Morocco | July 9 | 4:00 PM |
| England vs Norway | July 10 | TBC |
FAQ
Where is the 2026 World Cup being held?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking the first time three nations have jointly hosted the tournament. Matches are being held across 16 cities including Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, and Mexico City.
When is the World Cup 2026 final?
The 2026 World Cup final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Which teams are favorites to win?
France, Brazil, Argentina, and hosts USA are among the favorites, but with Switzerland, Morocco, and Egypt also in the semi-final mix, this has been one of the most unpredictable World Cups in recent memory.