The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached its knockout climax, with the quarter-final fixtures now officially confirmed following the completion of the Round of 16.
Eight nations remain in contention for football’s biggest prize, setting up four intriguing encounters featuring former champions, European powerhouses and surprise challengers.
The quarter-finals get underway on Thursday, July 9, with France taking on Morocco in a repeat of their memorable semi-final clash at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
France emerged 2-0 winners in that encounter before advancing to the final, but Morocco have continued to establish themselves as one of world football’s rising forces and will be aiming to gain revenge by booking a historic place in the last four.
Attention then shifts to Friday, July 10, when Spain meet Belgium in one of the tournament’s most eagerly anticipated fixtures. Both teams have showcased exciting attacking football and technical brilliance throughout the competition, making the all-European showdown one to watch.
The remaining quarter-final matches will be played on July 11 and July 12.
Norway will face England as they look to extend their impressive World Cup run against one of the tournament favourites. England have combined experience with youthful energy to emerge as strong contenders for the title.
The final quarter-final will pit reigning world champions Argentina against Switzerland, with both sides chasing the last available place in the semi-finals.
With only three matches now separating the remaining teams from lifting the World Cup trophy, the stakes have never been higher as the competition enters its decisive phase.
2026 FIFA World Cup Quarter-Final Fixtures
- France vs Morocco – 9 July – 20:00 GMT
- Spain vs Belgium – 10 July – 19:00 GMT
- Norway vs England – 11 July – 21:00 GMT
- Argentina vs Switzerland – 12 July – 01:00 GMT
