Quarter-Finals - 2026 FIFA World Cup

Eight teams. Four matches. One mission. The quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup arrive after a Round of 16 that rewritten the script completely. Brazil are out. The USA are out. Canada, Mexico and Portugal are all heading home. What remains is a field of eight teams that no one could have predicted with certainty three weeks ago, gathered across four American stadiums between July 9 and July 11. From this point, every single team is just three victories away from lifting the trophy at MetLife Stadium on July 19.

Eight teams. Four matches. One mission. The quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup arrive after a Round of 16 that rewrote the script completely. Brazil are out. The USA are out. What remains is a field of eight teams that nobody could have predicted, gathered across four American stadiums between July 9 and July 11.

Quarter-Finals Fixtures

All four matches take place between July 9 and July 11, 2026, across four venues in the United States.

🇫🇷France

Jul 9 · 16:00 ET / 22:00 CET Quarter-Final

🇲🇦Morocco

🇪🇸Spain

Jul 10 · 15:00 ET / 21:00 CET Quarter-Final

🇧🇪Belgium

🇳🇴Norway

Jul 11 · 17:00 ET / 23:00 CET Quarter-Final

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿England

🇦🇷Argentina

Jul 11 · 21:00 ET / 03:00 CET Quarter-Final

🇨🇭Switzerland

Kickoff times in ET and CET. Always verify with the official FIFA schedule.

How the Quarter-Finals Work

Four matches, eight teams, four survivors. The format is identical to everything that has come before in the knockout stages: ninety minutes of normal time, followed by thirty minutes of extra time if the scores are level, and a penalty shootout if the deadlock persists. No aggregate score, no second legs, no away goals. One game to decide everything.

The bracket was set at the beginning of the tournament and has been followed without deviation. The winner of France versus Morocco faces the winner of Spain versus Belgium in the semi-final. On the other side of the draw, whoever comes through Norway versus England meets the victor of Argentina versus Switzerland. The semi-finals take place on July 14 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and July 15 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The final is on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

What makes this quarter-final line-up genuinely extraordinary is the absence of Brazil, the USA, Portugal, Mexico and Canada. Five of the six host and co-host nations are already eliminated. The tournament has opened itself up in a way that makes every remaining semi-final spot genuinely contested. For live match updates and confirmed kickoff times, visit the official FIFA World Cup 2026 website.

Round of 16: The Surprises That Shaped the Quarter-Finals

The path to these quarter-finals was paved with results that will be discussed for years. The Round of 16 produced some of the most dramatic, unexpected, and genuinely brilliant football of the entire tournament. Here is how each quarter-finalist got here.

Norway eliminate Brazil 2-1

The defining result of the entire tournament so far. Erling Haaland scored twice to knock out the five-time world champions in East Rutherford, ending Brazil's 2026 World Cup in the Round of 16. The first goal came from a clinical header, the second from a penalty after VAR intervention. Brazil pulled one back through Vinicius Jr but could not find an equaliser despite pushing forward with desperation in the final twenty minutes. Haaland has now scored in every knockout match Norway have played. Brazil, one of the pre-tournament favourites and the most bet-on team for the title, are gone. Norway, a nation that has never previously won a knockout match at a World Cup, are in the last eight.

Belgium dismantle the USA 4-1

The host nation's World Cup ended with a brutal lesson from a Belgian side that has been the most convincing team in the tournament since the group stage. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice in the first half. Hans Vanaken added a third early in the second period. Romelu Lukaku capped the scoring in injury time. The USA's consolation through Malik Tillman was a footnote on an evening when Belgium's technical quality, organisational discipline, and clinical finishing were simply in a different class. The American public had embraced this tournament more than any previous edition, which made the manner of the exit particularly painful.

Morocco rout Canada 3-0

The Atlas Lions delivered the performance of the entire knockout stage with a three-nil demolition of Canada in Houston. The speed of Morocco's counter-attack was devastating, their defensive structure impenetrable, and their goalscoring clinical. Canada, who had been one of the more impressive sides in the group stage, had no answer to the pace and directness of Morocco's forward play. The result confirmed what their run against the Netherlands in the Round of 32 had hinted: Morocco are not a defensive team that grinds out results. They are a genuinely dangerous attacking force that nobody in this quarter-final draw will want to face.

England end Mexico's tournament at the Azteca

Jude Bellingham scored twice in the first forty minutes to give England a two-goal lead that Mexico fought hard to overturn at one of the most electric stadiums in world football. Raul Jimenez pulled one back from the penalty spot, and Julian Quinones equalised to set up a frantic final period. Harry Kane converted a penalty to restore England's lead and they held on to win three goals to two. The result was England's best victory on foreign soil in living memory, achieved in conditions that European teams consistently find hostile. Bellingham's two first-half goals at the Azteca will be shown on highlight reels for a generation.

Messi rescues Argentina against Egypt

Argentina were trailing Egypt two goals to one with eleven minutes remaining when Lionel Messi produced the kind of moment that only he can. A drag back, a turn, and a finish into the bottom corner from twenty metres to level the match in the eighty-third minute. Enzo Fernandez added a third in injury time to complete a comeback that briefly seemed impossible. Egypt, who had already pushed Switzerland hard in the Round of 32 before losing on penalties, had threatened one of the tournament's most sensational upsets. Messi has now scored seven goals in this World Cup and leads the Golden Boot standings. He is also thirty-nine years old.

Switzerland edge Colombia on penalties

A goalless draw after one hundred and twenty minutes produced a penalty shootout that Switzerland won four goals to three, with goalkeeper Gregor Kobel saving twice to send the Swiss into the quarter-finals. Colombia had the better of the match for long periods and created more chances in normal time, but Swiss defensive resilience and Kobel's brilliance between the posts proved decisive when it mattered most. Switzerland, rarely considered a genuine contender at this level, are now in the last eight. They face Argentina, which on paper is the most straightforward quarter-final fixture, but nobody in this tournament is straightforward anymore.

Betting on the World Cup 2026 Quarter-Finals

The quarter-finals offer some of the most interesting betting conditions of the entire tournament. With only eight teams remaining, squad depth, momentum, and bracket awareness all become more significant factors than at any earlier stage. Check our bonuses page to see available offers.

To qualify versus match result

At this stage of a tournament, the difference between backing a team to win in ninety minutes and backing them to qualify becomes increasingly important. France at short odds against Morocco in a match that could go to extra time is a very different bet on the match result market compared to the to qualify market. Morocco have shown across this tournament that they can absorb pressure for long periods and exploit a single opportunity. Any market that settles at ninety minutes carries more risk in a quarter-final than it did in the group stage.

Shootout specialists and penalty records

Switzerland have just won a penalty shootout. Morocco won two in the Round of 32 and Round of 16. Argentina have a wealth of experience in high-pressure shootouts under Messi. These records are not incidental. They reflect the mental conditioning and preparation that coaching staffs invest specifically in this area. When a quarter-final looks likely to be decided by fine margins, the penalty shootout market offers value that is grounded in genuine and recent evidence rather than general reputation.

Fatigue and recovery time

Argentina played one hundred and twenty minutes against Egypt. Switzerland did the same against Colombia. Both nations arrive at the quarter-finals having expended more physical energy than France, Spain, Morocco, Norway, or England, all of whom won their Round of 16 ties within ninety minutes. Recovery time between matches reduces but does not eliminate this gap. In total goals markets and Asian handicap betting, the physical state of the two sides is a meaningful input that bookmakers do not always price with complete precision.

First goalscorer markets at peak value

Quarter-finals produce the most reliable first goalscorer conditions of any stage in a knockout tournament. Managers pick their best available lineups with no rotation, star players are fresh relative to how they will be in a semi-final if they progress, and the strategic clarity of the matchups means attacking intentions are more predictable than at any earlier point. Haaland for Norway, Mbappe for France, Yamal for Spain, and De Bruyne for Belgium are all expected to be central from the first minute.

Total goals in high-stakes defensive contests

Quarter-finals at major tournaments historically produce fewer goals than group stage or early knockout matches. Both teams approach with caution, the margin for error is zero, and tactical conservatism increases as the prize grows larger. Morocco versus France and Norway versus England both involve teams capable of keeping clean sheets for extended periods. Under total goals markets deserve serious consideration in these specific fixtures, particularly at lines of two goals or fewer.

Half-time betting as a strategic angle

Quarter-finals frequently produce scoreless or low-scoring first halves as teams spend the opening period feeling each other out before committing to a more aggressive approach. The half-time draw is statistically more common at this stage than at any earlier point in a World Cup. Combining a half-time draw with a specific full-time result in a double result market can generate meaningfully better returns than a straight full-time bet on the same outcome, particularly in the France versus Morocco fixture where neither side will want to concede first.

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The Last Eight: What to Expect From Each Fixture

Four quarter-finals, four completely different stories. Here is the tactical and contextual picture for each of the remaining matches.

France vs Morocco

The rematch nobody expected but everyone feared. France are the tournament's most complete squad and have been ruthless since the group stage, with Mbappe finally hitting his best form and Dembele providing a constant attacking outlet. Morocco arrive having just produced their best performance of the tournament, a three-nil victory over Canada that demonstrated they are far more than a defensive unit. Hakim Ziyech has been influential in transition and Achraf Hakimi's overlapping runs create width that France will need to account for. This is not a match France are expected to lose, but Morocco have eliminated the Netherlands, beaten Canada, and gone three knockout matches without conceding. They do not concede easily.

Spain vs Belgium

The most tactically fascinating fixture of the round. Spain under their current system have been one of the most consistent pressing teams at any World Cup in recent memory, with Lamine Yamal and Pedri combining to devastating effect in tight spaces. Belgium, who demolished the USA four goals to one, have been the most convincing team in the tournament since the knockout stage began. De Ketelaere's two goals against America announced him as a player capable of operating at the very highest level. De Bruyne pulls the strings in midfield. Lukaku adds the physical presence in behind. This is a match where Spain's system meets Belgium's individual quality, and neither side has an obvious vulnerability.

Norway vs England

Erling Haaland versus Harry Kane is the individual contest that the neutral wants to see decided, but the match itself is about far more than its two centre-forwards. Norway's direct approach and physical intensity suit the conditions in Miami. England's victory at the Azteca, achieved in extraordinary circumstances with Bellingham's double, has given the squad a confidence that was absent in the earlier rounds. Gareth Southgate will need to find a way to neutralise Haaland, something that Premier League managers have struggled to do consistently for two consecutive seasons. England have the squad to win this match. Norway, with Haaland at his best, have the one player who can decide a game on his own.

Argentina vs Switzerland

On paper the most straightforward of the four quarter-finals, and therefore the one most likely to produce a shock. Switzerland are not here by accident. They held Colombia scoreless for one hundred and twenty minutes and Kobel was outstanding in the penalty shootout. Argentina are carrying the physical burden of extra time against Egypt and the emotional weight of a tournament that has centred almost entirely on whether Messi can deliver one final chapter. He has seven goals. He is thirty-nine. He is also the best player at this World Cup by a considerable distance. Switzerland will be organised, compact, and dangerous on the counter. Argentina will need more of what Messi produced in the eighty-third minute against Egypt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which teams are in the World Cup 2026 quarter-finals?

The eight teams in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals are France, Morocco, Spain, Belgium, Norway, England, Argentina and Switzerland. They qualified by winning their Round of 16 matches, with notable results including Norway eliminating Brazil two goals to one, Belgium beating the USA four goals to one, Morocco routing Canada three goals to nil, and Argentina coming from behind to beat Egypt three goals to two after Messi's equaliser in the eighty-third minute.

When are the World Cup 2026 quarter-final matches?

The four quarter-finals take place between July 9 and July 11, 2026. France versus Morocco is on July 9 at Gillette Stadium in Boston at 16:00 ET. Spain versus Belgium is on July 10 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles at 15:00 ET. Norway versus England and Argentina versus Switzerland are both on July 11, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami at 17:00 ET and Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City at 21:00 ET respectively.

How did Norway eliminate Brazil at the World Cup 2026?

Norway beat Brazil two goals to one in the Round of 16 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. Erling Haaland scored both Norwegian goals, the first from a header and the second from a penalty awarded after VAR review. Brazil pulled one back through Vinicius Jr but could not find an equaliser. It was one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history and Norway's first ever victory in a World Cup knockout match.

What happened between Argentina and Egypt in the Round of 16?

Argentina trailed Egypt two goals to one with eleven minutes remaining before Lionel Messi equalised in the eighty-third minute with a turn and finish from twenty metres. Enzo Fernandez then scored in injury time to complete a comeback that briefly looked impossible. Messi now has seven goals at this World Cup, the most of any player in the tournament, and leads the Golden Boot standings heading into the quarter-finals.

What happens if a quarter-final is level after 90 minutes?

If a quarter-final is level after ninety minutes of normal time, thirty minutes of extra time are played. If the match is still tied after extra time, a penalty shootout determines who advances to the semi-finals. There is no away goals rule and no second leg at any stage of the 2026 World Cup knockout rounds.

How did Belgium beat the USA at World Cup 2026?

Belgium beat the United States four goals to one in the Round of 16. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice in the first half, Hans Vanaken added a third early in the second half, and Romelu Lukaku scored in injury time. The USA's consolation came through Malik Tillman. It was a comprehensive victory that confirmed Belgium as one of the strongest remaining teams in the tournament heading into the quarter-finals against Spain.

Where are the World Cup 2026 quarter-finals played?

All four quarter-finals are played in the United States. France versus Morocco takes place at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Spain versus Belgium is at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Norway versus England is at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Argentina versus Switzerland is at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

What betting markets are available for the quarter-finals?

Licensed bookmakers offer match result settling at ninety minutes, to qualify covering all stages including extra time and penalties, Asian handicap, both teams to score, total goals, first goalscorer, anytime goalscorer, correct score, half-time result, and penalty shootout markets for all four quarter-final fixtures. In-play markets are also available throughout each match, updating in real time as goals and significant events occur.

Who is the favourite to win the World Cup 2026 after the quarter-finals draw?

France remain the overall tournament favourites based on current bookmaker pricing, with Spain and Argentina close behind. Belgium, buoyed by their four-one win over the USA, have seen their odds shorten considerably. Norway are the most significant outsider in the draw, with Haaland's form making them dangerous against any opponent. Morocco, despite their extraordinary performances, remain a longer-priced option for the title itself, though they are very much capable of reaching the final.

When is the World Cup 2026 final?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final takes place on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with kickoff at 15:00 ET. The semi-finals are on July 14 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and July 15 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The third-place match is on July 18 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.