Quarterfinal Showdowns Set the Stage for a Thrilling Final Week
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached its most decisive phase, with the quarterfinals delivering drama, upsets, and world-class football across the United States. As of Saturday, July 11, four teams have booked their spots in the semifinals, while four others are battling for the remaining places in what promises to be an unforgettable climax to the tournament.
✅ Already Through to the Semifinals
🇫🇷 France 2 – 0 Morocco (July 9 – Gillette Stadium, Foxborough)
Defending champions France cruised past Morocco with a dominant display. Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring in the 34th minute, and Randal Kolo Muani doubled the lead just after halftime. Morocco, the surprise package of the tournament, fought valiantly but couldn’t break through a resolute French defense. Les Bleus march on to face Spain in the semifinals.
🇪🇸 Spain 1 – 0 Belgium (July 10 – SoFi Stadium, Inglewood)
In a tightly contested affair, Spain edged past Belgium thanks to a late winner from starlet Lamine Yamal in the 78th minute. The young Barcelona winger cut inside from the right and curled a stunning left-footed shot into the top corner, leaving Belgian goalkeeper Koen Casteels with no chance. Spain’s tiki-taka possession game proved decisive against a physical Belgian side.
⚔️ Today’s Quarterfinal Matchups (Saturday, July 11)
🇳🇴 Norway vs. England 🇬🇧 – 5:00 PM ET – Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
This is arguably the most anticipated match of the round. England, semifinalists in 2018 and runners-up in 2020 (Euro), face a Norway side led by the phenomenal Erling Haaland, who has been in scintillating form throughout the tournament. England’s Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane will look to outduel Haaland in what promises to be a goal-heavy thriller. Norway stunned Brazil 2-1 in the Round of 16, while England edged past Mexico 3-2 in a gripping encounter.
🇦🇷 Argentina vs. Switzerland 🇨🇭 – 9:00 PM ET – Kansas City Stadium
Defending World Cup champions Argentina take on a disciplined Swiss side that knocked out Colombia on penalties in the Round of 16. Lionel Messi, in what is widely expected to be his final World Cup campaign, has been pulling the strings masterfully from midfield. Argentina survived a scare against Egypt in the Round of 16, winning 3-2, and will need to be at their best against a well-organized Swiss defense led by Manuel Akanji and Granit Xhaka.
🗓️ Full Remaining Schedule
- Semifinal 1: France vs. Spain – Tuesday, July 14 – 3:00 PM ET – AT&T Stadium, Dallas
- Semifinal 2: Winner (Norway/England) vs. Winner (Argentina/Switzerland) – Wednesday, July 15 – 3:00 PM ET – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
- Third-Place Match: Saturday, July 18 – 5:00 PM ET
- 🏆 World Cup Final: Sunday, July 19 – 3:00 PM ET
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where can I watch the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals?
A: In the US, all matches are broadcast live on FOX and streamed on Fubo and YouTube TV. Full match replays are available on FIFA+.
Q: Which teams are favorites to reach the final?
A: France remain the bookmakers’ favorites after their convincing win over Morocco. Spain have impressed with their possession-based style. England and Argentina are neck-and-neck in the other half of the bracket, with Norway emerging as dangerous dark horses behind Haaland’s incredible form.
Q: When is the World Cup final?
A: The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final will be played on Sunday, July 19, at 3:00 PM ET. The venue is yet to be confirmed but will likely be MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.