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World Cup 2026 Quarter-Finals: Full Previews, Results & What to Watch For
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is heating up as we enter the quarter-final stage! With 32 teams reduced to just 8, the tournament across USA, Canada, and Mexico has already delivered unforgettable drama — from Cape Verde’s heroic run to a controversial red card saga that drew in world leaders.
Here’s your complete guide to the World Cup 2026 quarter-finals, including how the remaining teams got here and what’s at stake.
🇧🇪 Belgium 4-1 🇺🇸 USA — Round of 16 Recap
In one of the most talked-about matches of the tournament, Belgium dismantled co-hosts USA 4-1 in Seattle. The game was overshadowed by the controversial decision to rescind Folarin Balogun’s red card after direct involvement from President Donald Trump — a move that sparked outrage from UEFA and the Belgian FA.
Charles De Ketelaere scored twice (9′, 33′), with Malik Tillman’s deflected free-kick (31′) briefly leveling the score. But defensive errors cost the Americans dearly, with Matt Freese caught in possession and Hans Vanaken (57′) and Romelu Lukaku (90+3′) adding salt to the wounds. Belgium now face Spain in the quarter-finals.
🇨🇭 Switzerland 0-0 🇨🇴 Colombia (4-3 pens) — Round of 16 Recap
Switzerland held their nerve in a tense penalty shootout to edge Colombia in Vancouver. After 120 goalless minutes, Colombia’s Davinson Sanchez and Cucho Hernandez both missed from the spot, while Ruben Vargas converted the decisive kick. It was Switzerland’s first-ever World Cup shootout victory and their first quarter-final appearance since 1954.
Granit Xhaka marshalled the midfield superbly, but the Swiss face a monumental task against Argentina on Saturday.
🏆 Quarter-Finals — Today’s Matchups (July 9-10)
| Match | Venue | Date / Time (ET) | What’s at Stake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spain vs Belgium | Los Angeles, CA | Thu Jul 9, 8:00 PM | Semi-final vs Norway/England |
| France vs Morocco | Boston, MA | Thu Jul 9, 9:00 PM | Semi-final vs Norway/England |
| Norway vs England | TBD | Thu Jul 9, 10:00 PM | Semi-final vs Spain/Belgium or France/Morocco |
| Argentina vs Switzerland | TBD | Fri Jul 10, 2:00 AM | Semi-final spot |
🇦🇷 Argentina’s Great Escape vs Cape Verde
Reigning champions Argentina survived a massive scare against Cape Verde — the lowest-ranked nation ever to qualify for the knockout stages. Lionel Messi opened the scoring (29′), but Cape Verde fought back through Deroy Duarte (59′) to force extra time.
Lisandro Martinez (92′) thought he’d won it, but Sidny Lopes Cabral produced goal of the tournament contender (103′) to level again. An own-goal off Diney Borges (111′) finally broke Cape Verde hearts. Argentina advance to face Egypt in the last 16 — after Egypt edged Australia 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.
🇪🇬 Egypt’s Salah Delivers Panenka Magic
Mohamed Salah produced the moment of the Round of 32 when he Panenka’d his penalty in the shootout against Australia. After a 1-1 draw (Emam Ashour 13′, Mohamed Hany OG 55′), Egypt held their nerve from the spot while Harry Souttar and Lucas Herrington missed for the Socceroos. “If someone was going to do it, it was going to be me,” Salah said afterwards.
🔮 Looking Ahead: What to Watch
- Spain vs Belgium — Can Belgium carry their momentum after the Balogun controversy? Spain’s possession game meets Belgium’s blistering counter-attacks in LA.
- France vs Morocco — A rematch of the 2022 semi-final. Morocco’s defense vs France’s star-studded attack. Watch for Kylian Mbappe vs Achraf Hakimi battle.
- Norway vs England — Erling Haaland faces England’s powerhouse side. Can Norway’s golden generation deliver on the biggest stage?
- Argentina vs Switzerland — Messi’s quest for back-to-back titles continues. Switzerland’s defensive solidity will be tested like never before.
❓ FAQ
When is the World Cup 2026 Final?
The final will be played on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Where can I watch the World Cup?
In the US, matches are broadcast on Fox Sports (English) and Telemundo/Peacock (Spanish). Streaming options include FuboTV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV.
Which teams are the favorites?
Argentina remain the defending champions, but France, Spain, and Belgium all look dangerous. England is always a threat, and Norway with Haaland can’t be counted out.
📅 Upcoming Full Schedule
- Thu Jul 9: Spain vs Belgium (QF) — 8:00 PM ET
- Thu Jul 9: France vs Morocco (QF) — 9:00 PM ET
- Thu Jul 9: Norway vs England (QF) — 10:00 PM ET
- Fri Jul 10: Argentina vs Switzerland (QF) — 2:00 AM ET
- Sat Jul 11: Semi-Final TBD
- Sun Jul 12: Semi-Final TBD
- Sat Jul 18: Third Place Playoff
- Sun Jul 19: 🏆 World Cup 2026 Final — MetLife Stadium
Stay tuned to PC Master Deals for continued World Cup 2026 coverage, match analysis, and the best deals on streaming gear, jerseys, and viewing party essentials.