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The quarter-final line-up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is complete, with eight teams still in contention as the race for football’s biggest prize enters its decisive phase.
Defending champions Argentina, former winners France, Spain and England, along with first-time title hopefuls Morocco, Belgium, Norway and Switzerland, will battle for places in the semi-finals.
The four quarter-final ties promise a series of heavyweight contests, including a repeat of the 2022 World Cup semi-final between France and Morocco and a blockbuster showdown between Lionel Messi’s Argentina and surprise package Switzerland.
Quarter-final fixtures (Bangladesh time)
Friday, July 10
France vs Morocco
Saturday, July 11
Spain vs Belgium
Sunday, July 12
Norway vs England
Argentina vs Switzerland
France seek repeat, Morocco eye revenge
France will renew their rivalry with Morocco after defeating the Atlas Lions 2-0 in the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Morocco have once again emerged as one of the tournament’s biggest stories, reaching the last eight after edging the Netherlands on penalties before comfortably beating co-host Canada 3-0.
France advanced with victories over Sweden and Paraguay and will again rely on the attacking brilliance of Kylian Mbappé as they pursue a second World Cup title in three tournaments.
Spain and Belgium renew old rivalry
Spain and Belgium will meet for the third time in World Cup history.
Belgium knocked Spain out in the 1986 quarter-finals on penalties before Spain responded with a group-stage victory at Italia ’90.
Spain, the reigning European champions, arrive after eliminating Portugal and Austria, while Belgium have impressed with comeback victories over Senegal and a commanding 4-1 win against co-host United States.
The winners will face either France or Morocco in the semi-finals.
Norway face England in first World Cup meeting
Norway and England will meet in a World Cup for the first time in what promises to be one of the tournament’s most entertaining matches.
Inspired by prolific striker Erling Haaland, Norway have enjoyed their best-ever World Cup campaign, eliminating five-time champions Brazil before overcoming Ivory Coast.
England, managed by Thomas Tuchel, reached the quarter-finals after edging Mexico in a thrilling 3-2 contest following an earlier victory over DR Congo. The clash will feature several of world football’s biggest stars, including Haaland, Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Martin Ødegaard.
Messi’s Argentina meet resilient Switzerland
Argentina will face Switzerland in their third World Cup meeting, with the South Americans having won both previous encounters, including a dramatic extra-time victory in the 2014 Round of 16.
Switzerland reached the last eight after defeating Algeria before overcoming Colombia in a penalty shootout, with goalkeeper Gregor Kobel emerging as the hero.
Argentina have been pushed to the limit in both knockout matches, coming from behind to beat Cape Verde in extra time before staging another comeback to defeat Egypt 3-2.
Led by Lionel Messi, who continues to inspire the defending champions, Argentina will be favourites, but Switzerland have already shown they are capable of upsetting more fancied opponents. The winners will take on either Norway or England in the semi-finals.
Race for the title intensifies
With the exits of co-hosts United States, Canada and Mexico, every remaining match of the tournament will now be played in the United States.
The quarter-finals feature six European nations, one South American side and one African representative, highlighting Europe’s dominance while underlining Morocco’s continued rise on the global stage.
The last eight also present a fascinating contrast between former champions France, Spain, England and Argentina, who are chasing more World Cup glory, and Morocco, Belgium, Norway and Switzerland, each hoping to lift the trophy for the first time in their history.
