2026 World Cup Quarterfinals Feature France‑Morocco Clash

Why There’s a Pause Today

No World Cup matches are scheduled for Wednesday, July 8, breaking a streak of daily play that lasted 27 consecutive days. The tournament stops after the Round of 16 to give teams a breather before the knockout stage begins. With only eight teams left, FIFA has built in a rest day ahead of the quarterfinals, which resume on Thursday.

Entertainment platforms have already announced their coverage for the upcoming matches, ensuring fans have multiple options to stay connected. Cable providers and streaming services will carry every quarterfinal game live across multiple feeds.

Full Quarterfinal Schedule

• Thursday, July 9: France vs. Morocco, Boston/Foxborough, 4 p.m. ET

• Friday, July 10: Spain vs. Belgium, Los Angeles/Inglewood, 3 p.m. ET

• Saturday, July 11: Norway vs. England, Miami Gardens, 5 p.m. ET

• Saturday, July 11: Argentina vs. Switzerland, Kansas City, 9 p.m. ET

Watch on TV or Stream

Soccer fans can catch the action on Spanish‑language networks Telemundo and Universo for an immersive broadcast experience. English‑language coverage will be carried by FOX and FS1, providing live commentary and expert analysis.

For those without traditional cable, streaming services such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, and DirecTV Stream offer the same channels. FOX’s own platforms, including its app and direct‑to‑consumer options, also grant full access to each match.

Teams Still Alive in the Tournament

The eight quarterfinalists are France, Morocco, Spain, Belgium, Norway, England, Argentina and Switzerland, all emerging from the Round of 16 that concluded on July 7. Argentina advanced by defeating Egypt, while Switzerland moved on after beating Colombia. Belgium knocked out the United States, and Spain triumphed over Portugal.

These victories set up high‑stakes matchups that will determine who joins the traditional powerhouses in the semifinal round. Morocco’s surprise run and Belgium’s early exit of the U.S. add intrigue to the bracket.

Path to the Semifinals

Quarterfinal winners will secure spots in the semifinals slated for Tuesday, July 14, and Wednesday, July 15, setting up a clear route to the final on July 19. The France‑Morocco victor will face the Spain‑Belgium winner, while the Norway‑England pair will meet the Argentina‑Switzerland side. This means the next three days will decide which traditional heavyweights persist and which upstarts keep their runs alive.

The weekend’s games also carry implications for seeding and venue considerations for the final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Fans can expect tension and drama as the best‑of‑eight stage narrows the field further.

Looking Ahead to the Final

The 2026 World Cup final is set for Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with the third‑place match taking place the day before in Miami. This marks the conclusion of a 48‑team tournament that kicked off on June 11 and features 104 matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The 2026 edition expands the field compared with previous cycles, offering more opportunities for nations to make history.