The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached its most electrifying stage. After four weeks of non-stop action across 48 group-stage matches and a dramatic Round of 16, only eight teams remain in the hunt for football’s ultimate prize. Today, July 8, marks the tournament’s first rest day — giving fans a chance to catch their breath before the quarter-finals kick off tomorrow.
The Round of 16: Drama, Upsets & Comebacks
The knockout round delivered everything. Defending champions Argentina pulled off a jaw-dropping comeback against Egypt, trailing 2-0 before scoring three goals in 15 minutes to win 3-2. Lionel Messi, in sensational form, scored the equalizer and now leads the Golden Boot race with 8 goals in 5 matches. His 21 career World Cup goals are the most in history — a record he set earlier in this tournament.
Norway continued their Cinderella run by knocking out five-time champions Brazil 2-1, while Switzerland edged Colombia on penalties (4-3) after a goalless 120 minutes. Belgium thrashed the United States 4-1, and France edged Paraguay 1-0 thanks to Kylian Mbappé’s brilliance. England survived a 3-2 thriller against Mexico, Morocco dominated Canada 3-0, and Spain won a tense 1-0 European showdown against Portugal.
Quarter-Final Fixtures — The Road to the Semis
- July 9 — France vs. Morocco (Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA)
- July 10 — Spain vs. Belgium (SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA)
- July 11 — Norway vs. England (Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, FL)
- July 11 — Argentina vs. Switzerland (Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO)
What to Watch For
The France-Morocco clash is a rematch of the 2022 semi-final, where Morocco made history as the first African team to reach the last four. Can they repeat the magic? Meanwhile, Haaland’s Norway face England in what could be the tournament’s most attacking quarter-final — both sides have scored freely. And all eyes will be on Lionel Messi as Argentina faces a resilient Swiss side that knocked out Colombia.
Semifinals are set for July 14-15, with the Grand Final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on July 19.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the top scorer of World Cup 2026 so far?
Lionel Messi leads the Golden Boot race with 8 goals in 5 matches, including crucial strikes in Argentina’s Round of 16 comeback against Egypt.
Where can I watch the World Cup 2026 quarter-finals?
All matches are broadcast live on Fox and FS1 in the US, with Spanish-language coverage on Telemundo and Peacock. Streaming is available via Fubo.