The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached its knockout stage, with the quarter-final fixtures now confirmed. Eight teams remain in contention for a place in the semi-finals, with matches scheduled across four days beginning Thursday, July 9.
Quarter-Final Schedule and Key Matchups
The quarter-final round opens on July 9 with a rematch of the 2022 World Cup semi-final: France versus Morocco. In Qatar, France won that encounter 2-0 before advancing to the final. Morocco, however, has continued to establish itself among the world’s elite sides and will look for a different result this time.
July 10 features an all-European clash between Spain and Belgium. Both teams have showcased attacking flair and technical quality throughout the tournament, making this one of the most anticipated fixtures of the round.
On July 11, Norway faces England. Norway has impressed with its run to the quarter-finals, while England—blending experienced veterans with emerging young talent—remains among the favorites to win the tournament.
The final quarter-final takes place on July 12, with defending champions Argentina meeting Switzerland for the last semi-final berth.
What’s at Stake
With only three victories separating any of the remaining teams from World Cup glory, each match carries enormous weight. The conclusion of the quarter-finals will leave just four teams standing, setting the stage for the semi-finals and ultimately the 2026 final.
Information in this article is based on reporting from the original source.
