The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached its business end. After 72 group-stage matches and eight intense Round of 16 clashes, only eight nations remain standing. The quarterfinals begin Thursday, July 9, and run through Saturday, July 11, with a lineup that pits old rivals, generational talents, and tournament heavyweights against one another across venues in the United States.
The Quarterfinal Matchups
🇫🇷 France vs. 🇲🇦 Morocco — Thursday, July 9, 4:00 PM ET
This is the third competitive meeting between France and Morocco in major tournaments. France knocked Morocco out of the 2022 World Cup semifinals (2-0) and also beat them 3-1 in this tournament’s group stage. Kylian Mbappé has been in lethal form with six goals so far, supported by the electric front four of Dembélé, Doué, and Olise. But Morocco are no pushovers — they crushed Canada 3-0 in the Round of 16 and have reached the quarterfinals for the second consecutive World Cup. With Brahim Diaz and Achraf Hakimi leading the charge, expect an open, attacking contest.
🇪🇸 Spain vs. 🇧🇪 Belgium — Friday, July 10, 3:00 PM ET
A classic generational clash. Spain boast the youngest squad in the tournament — Lamine Yamal (18), Pedri (23), Nico Williams, and Gavi — all playing with the fearless energy of a team built for the next decade. Belgium’s golden generation, led by Kevin De Bruyne (34), Romelu Lukaku (32), and Thibaut Courtois, know this could be their final shot at glory. Spain eliminated Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16, while Belgium staged a stunning 4-1 comeback win over the USMNT.
🏴 England vs. 🇳🇴 Norway — Saturday, July 11, 5:00 PM ET
Norway have been the tournament’s giant killers. They shocked Brazil 2-0 in the Round of 16, sending the five-time champions home early. Erling Haaland has been clinical, and his battle with England’s Harry Kane promises fireworks. England edged past Mexico 3-2 in a thriller at the Estadio Azteca, with Jude Bellingham scoring a brace. This is perhaps the hardest match of the quarterfinals to call.
🇦🇷 Argentina vs. 🇨🇭 Switzerland — Saturday, July 11, 9:00 PM ET
Lionel Messi has been on a tear — eight goals so far this tournament, including the winner in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt. Switzerland, meanwhile, have been defensively rock solid, keeping a clean sheet through 120 minutes against Colombia before advancing on penalties. Something has to give: the tournament’s most prolific attack versus its most stubborn defense.
How We Got Here
The Round of 16 produced some unforgettable moments:
- Brazil 0-2 Norway — The upset of the tournament. Norway outplayed the five-time champions in every department.
- Belgium 4-1 USMNT — A stunning second-half collapse saw the USMNT’s World Cup dreams end in Seattle.
- Argentina 3-2 Egypt — A thriller in Atlanta that saw Messi score twice, including a late winner.
- Spain 1-0 Portugal — Lamine Yamal’s goal ended Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup campaign.
- Switzerland 0-0 Colombia (4-3 pens) — Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer was the hero in a tense shootout.
FAQ
Where can I watch the World Cup 2026 quarterfinals for free?
In the US, all matches are available free on Tubi (no subscription required) and Fox. In the UK, BBC One/iPlayer and ITV1/ITVX cover the matches. Worldwide, FIFA+ provides free streaming where local rights allow.
When is the World Cup 2026 final?
The tournament concludes on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Upcoming Quarterfinal Schedule
| Match | Date | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|
| 🇫🇷 France vs. 🇲🇦 Morocco | Thu, Jul 9 | 4:00 PM |
| 🇪🇸 Spain vs. 🇧🇪 Belgium | Fri, Jul 10 | 3:00 PM |
| 🏴 England vs. 🇳🇴 Norway | Sat, Jul 11 | 5:00 PM |
| 🇦🇷 Argentina vs. 🇨🇭 Switzerland | Sat, Jul 11 | 9:00 PM |
The semifinals will follow on July 14-15, with the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium. Stay tuned to PC Master Deals for ongoing World Cup 2026 coverage!