World Cup 2026 Quarterfinals: The Definitive Guide to the Weekend That Stops the Planet

From 48 teams down to 8. Between July 9 and 11, four single-elimination matches — no return leg, no excuses — decide the semifinalists of the first 48-team World Cup in history. And the tournament that started massive (104 matches in 39 days, three host countries) is now entirely concentrated in the United States: Boston, Miami, Los Angeles, and Kansas City.

Brazil, as you know, isn’t among them. Haaland’s Norway ran the party over the Seleção in the round of 16 and punched its ticket — the “underdog” that wasn’t really an underdog anymore confirmed this is the most unpredictable World Cup of the modern era.

Here’s where each matchup stands:

France 2-0 Morocco — final, Thursday 07/09

A rematch of the 2022 semifinal, and France confirmed the favorite’s tag. Mbappé missed a penalty in the first half but redeemed himself scoring 15 minutes into the second — Dembélé doubled the lead five minutes later. Morocco fell for the second straight World Cup against the French, but leaves the tournament as one of this edition’s great symbols. France is in the semifinals.

Spain vs. Belgium — Friday, 07/10, 4pm (Brasília time)

Two giant-killers face off today. Spain silenced Portugal in the Iberian derby (1-0) and Belgium was ruthless: thrashing the US hosts 4-1 and ending the home dream. Spanish touch against Belgian firepower.

Norway vs. England — Saturday, 07/11, 6pm

The Norway that eliminated Brazil now faces an England side that struggled but got past Mexico. Haaland in a single-elimination match is the scariest argument in the knockout stage — on the other side, the most expensive squad in the tournament.

Argentina vs. Switzerland — Saturday, 07/11, 10pm

The last quarterfinal matchup is already set: Argentina beat Egypt 3-2 in the round of 16, with Messi decisive on two assists and a goal. Switzerland, meanwhile, eliminated Colombia on penalties (4-3) after a scoreless draw in regulation. Kansas City hosts a duel that could feature the defending champion — or one more giant falling in a World Cup that has already toppled several.

Format: single match, extra time and penalties if needed. Winners advance to the semifinals; losers get in line for 2030.

Who do you want to see lift the trophy? And who falls first in the remaining quarterfinals?

World Cup 2026 is live. Check out our review of the tournament’s historic underdogs too — because no favorite is safe while the ball keeps rolling.