FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter-Finals: Full Schedule, Matchups, Dates & TV Coverage
FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter-Finals: Full Schedule, Matchups, Dates & TV Coverage
The FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals are set! Check the full schedule for France vs Morocco, Spain vs Belgium, Norway vs England, and Argentina vs Switzerland. Dates, venues, and broadcast info inside.
The Final Eight Are Set
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached its business end. After a dramatic Round of 16 that eliminated five-time champions Brazil and saw defending champions Argentina survive a major scare, only eight teams remain in the race for football’s biggest prize .
All three host nations – USA, Canada, and Mexico – were eliminated in the Round of 16, while last edition’s finalists, Argentina and France, booked their spots in the final eight .
The quarter-finals feature four intriguing matchups, pitting some of the world’s best players against each other – including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Harry Kane .
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Quarter-Final Schedule at a Glance
Quarter-Final Match Previews
Q1: France vs Morocco – Thursday, July 9 (Gillette Stadium, Foxborough)
The Rematch
France, ranked No. 1 in the world, face a Morocco side that has been one of the tournament’s surprise packages . The Atlas Lions impressed with a commanding 3-0 win over co-hosts Canada in Houston , while France booked their place with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paraguay .
Key players:
- Kylian Mbappé (France): 7 goals in the tournament, tied for second in the Golden Boot race
- Morocco’s attacking unit: Looking to replicate their historic 2022 run when they reached the semi-finals
Broadcast: Fox, Telemundo (USA); English streaming via Fox One and Fubo
Q2: Spain vs Belgium – Friday, July 10 (SoFi Stadium, Inglewood)
The Tactical Battle
Spain, ranked No. 3, head into the contest having yet to concede a goal in the entire tournament . Belgium advanced after defeating the United States 4-1 in the Round of 16 .
Key storylines:
- Spain’s defensive record: Zero goals conceded so far
- Spain edged past Portugal thanks to Mikel Merino’s stoppage-time winner
- Belgium’s experience: A veteran squad with golden generation players
Broadcast: Fox, Telemundo (USA); English streaming via Fox One and Fubo
Q3: Norway vs England – Saturday, July 11 (Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens)
The Golden Boot Showdown
This is arguably the most anticipated quarter-final. Erling Haaland’s Norway knocked out five-time champions Brazil with a 2-1 victory , while Harry Kane’s England edged Mexico 3-2 to secure their place in the last eight .
Key storylines:
- Haaland vs Kane: The two prolific strikers go head-to-head
- Golden Boot race: Haaland and Mbappé have 7 goals each, Kane has 6
- Norway are the lowest-ranked team in the quarter-finals at No. 19, making them the ultimate underdogs
Broadcast: Fox, Telemundo (USA); English streaming via Fox One and Fubo
Q4: Argentina vs Switzerland – Saturday, July 11 (Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City)
The Defending Champions’ Test
Defending champions Argentina survived a major scare, coming from behind to beat Egypt 3-2 . Switzerland progressed after defeating Colombia in a dramatic penalty shootout .
Key storylines:
- Lionel Messi: Leads the Golden Boot race with 8 goals
- Argentina’s resilience: Came from behind against Egypt
- Switzerland’s penalty shootout heroics: They’re battle-hardened and dangerous
Broadcast: Fox, Telemundo (USA); English streaming via Fox One and Fubo
Quarter-Finals at a Glance
| Match | Ranking | Key Player | Golden Boot Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| France vs Morocco | #1 vs #6 | Mbappé vs Hakimi | 7 vs 0 |
| Spain vs Belgium | #3 vs #8 | Rodri vs De Bruyne | 0 vs 0 |
| Norway vs England | #19 vs #4 | Haaland vs Kane | 7 vs 6 |
| Argentina vs Switzerland | #2 vs #14 | Messi vs Kobel | 8 vs 0 |
Golden Boot Race (Top Scorers)
Semi-Final Pathway
The winners of the quarter-finals will advance to the semi-finals:
| Semi-Final Match | Date & Venue |
|---|---|
| Winner Q1 (France/Morocco) vs Winner Q2 (Spain/Belgium) | July 14, AT&T Stadium, Dallas |
| Winner Q3 (Norway/England) vs Winner Q4 (Argentina/Switzerland) | July 15, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta |
FAQ – FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter-Finals
When are the World Cup 2026 quarter-finals?
The quarter-finals take place from July 9 to July 12, 2026 .
Which teams are in the World Cup 2026 quarter-finals?
France, Morocco, Spain, Belgium, Norway, England, Argentina, and Switzerland .
Where can I watch the World Cup quarter-finals in South Africa?
Matches are broadcast on SuperSport (DStv) and free-to-air on SABC. Check local listings for specific channels.
What is the biggest upset of the Round of 32?
Brazil (five-time champions) were eliminated by Norway, losing 2-1 .
Who has scored the most goals in the tournament so far?
Lionel Messi leads the Golden Boot race with 8 goals, followed by Mbappé and Haaland with 7 each .
What happens if a quarter-final match is tied after 90 minutes?
The match goes to 30 minutes of extra time (two 15-minute halves). If still tied, it proceeds to a penalty shootout.
Final Thoughts
The World Cup 2026 quarter-finals promise four high-stakes, star-studded encounters. From a rematch of the 2022 semi-final between France and Morocco to a potential Golden Boot showdown between Erling Haaland and Harry Kane, this is the stage where legends are made.
Key dates for your calendar:
- July 9 – France vs Morocco
- July 10 – Spain vs Belgium
- July 11 – Norway vs England & Argentina vs Switzerland
One match at a time. The dream continues.
