The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached its decisive phase. With the Round of 16 concluded and all three co-hosts — the United States, Mexico, and Canada — eliminated, eight teams remain standing. The quarterfinals kick off Thursday, July 9, in Boston, and by the time the final whistle blows Saturday night in Kansas City, the semifinal lineup will be set.
The Quarterfinal Matchups
France vs Morocco — Thursday, July 9, 4:00 PM ET | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
Defending champions France open the quarterfinal round against a resilient Morocco side that has already made history. France cruised through their group and edged Paraguay 1-0 in the Round of 16, showing the kind of tournament nous that carried them to the 2018 title. Morocco, meanwhile, stunned Canada 3-0 and has proven they are no fluke after their semifinal run in 2022. Kylian Mbappé remains the tournament’s most electric talent, but Morocco’s compact defense and counter-attacking speed make this a genuine banana-skin tie.
Spain vs Belgium — Friday, July 10, 3:00 PM ET | SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
Two European heavyweights collide in Los Angeles. Spain dismantled Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32 and edged Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16, looking increasingly dangerous as the tournament progresses. Belgium thrashed the United States 4-1 on home soil, ending America’s dream run in emphatic fashion. The Red Devils’ golden generation may have aged, but their knockout pedigree remains formidable. This could be the most technically accomplished match of the round.
Norway vs England — Saturday, July 11, 5:00 PM ET | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
Norway continues to defy expectations. Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard have led their side past Brazil (2-1) in a stunning Round of 16 upset, and the Scandinavian nation is dreaming of a first-ever semifinal appearance. England edged Mexico 3-2 in a thriller and will rely on Jude Bellingham’s midfield mastery and Harry Kane’s predatory instincts. Expect goals — both sides can score, and neither is shy about attacking.
Argentina vs Colombia — Saturday, July 11, 9:00 PM ET | Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO
The defending champions Argentina had to dig deep, coming from two goals down to beat Egypt 3-2 in the Round of 16. Lionel Messi’s tournament may be his last World Cup appearance, and Argentina’s squad depth is being tested. Colombia squeezed past Switzerland on penalties after a tense 0-0 draw and have the defensive organization to frustrate La Albiceleste. This late-night Kansas City showdown could be the most dramatic of the quarterfinal slate.
What’s at Stake
- Semifinal 1 (July 14, Dallas): Winner M97 vs Winner M98
- Semifinal 2 (July 15, Atlanta): Winner M99 vs Winner M100
- Final (July 19, MetLife Stadium, New Jersey)
The losers drop to the third-place match on July 18 in Miami.
Where to Watch
In the United States, all quarterfinal matches will be broadcast on FOX and FS1 in English, and Telemundo and Universo in Spanish. Streaming is available via fuboTV.
All knockout matches feature extra time and penalty shootouts if tied after 90 minutes — no replays, no second chances.
FAQ
Q: Which teams are in the World Cup 2026 quarterfinals?
A: France, Morocco, Spain, Belgium, Norway, England, Argentina, and Colombia.
Q: Did any host nation reach the quarterfinals?
A: No. All three co-hosts — the United States, Mexico, and Canada — were eliminated in the Round of 16.
Q: What happens if a quarterfinal ends in a draw?
A: The match goes to 30 minutes of extra time. If still tied, a penalty shootout decides the winner.
Q: When and where is the 2026 World Cup final?
A: Sunday, July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
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