2026 World Cup Quarterfinals Begin with Eight Teams

Quarterfinals Field Takes Shape

After a pause for rest, the 2026 FIFA World Cup returns to action on Thursday as the Quarterfinals get underway. Exactly eight nations remain in the tournament, each still dreaming of lifting the trophy later this month. The lineup features returning heavyweights like France and Argentina, who met in the final four years ago, as well as surprise packages such as Morocco and England. This mix of seasoned finalists and fresh qualifiers creates a compelling set of matchups for fans worldwide.

Why These Teams Matter

France and Argentina bring the drama of their historic final clash, while Morocco adds momentum after reaching the semifinals in 2022. England’s presence is especially notable; the Three Lions are back in the knockout stage after appearing in the Quarterfinals two years ago. New entrants—Spain, Norway, Switzerland, and Belgium—earned their path after missing the 2022 tournament, turning these games into redemption stories. The diverse backgrounds of these clubs guarantee varied storylines and high stakes from the opening whistle.

Full 2026 Quarterfinal Schedule

Thursday, July 9 features France versus Morocco, with the French securing a 2‑0 victory. The Quarterfinals continue on Friday, July 10 as Spain faces Belgium at 3:00 p.m. Eastern time in Los Angeles Stadium. Saturday, July 11 holds two contests: Norway pits its skills against England at 5:00 p.m. in Miami Stadium, while Argentina meets Switzerland at 9:00 p.m. in Kansas City Stadium. All kick‑offs are listed in Eastern time, and scores will update once the final whistle blows.

What Lies Ahead After the First Round

As the knockout stage progresses, the matches will narrow the field and produce the semifinalists who will advance to the next round. The early results—especially the French dominance over Morocco and the late evening clash in Kansas City—will shape the narrative heading into the semifinals. Fans can expect renewed intensity as teams fight for a spot in the tournament’s latter phases. The 2026 World Cup is just getting started, and every game from here on out will count toward the ultimate prize.