The 2026 FIFA World Cup has determined all eight quarterfinalists. France, Morocco, Spain, Belgium, Norway, England, Argentina, and Switzerland have advanced to the next stage. The round of 16 produced several exciting matches: Brazil was eliminated after a loss to Norway, the host nation USA could not overcome Belgium, and Switzerland defeated Colombia in a penalty shootout.
France – Morocco
Thursday, July 9th, 10:00 PM CEST
France reached the quarterfinals with a narrow 1-0 victory over Paraguay. Previously, they had won their first knockout round match against Sweden 3-0, so they are currently looking very strong. Morocco is continuing its excellent tournament performance: after eliminating the Netherlands in the previous round on penalties, they clearly defeated Canada 3-0 in the round of 16. We can expect a clash between a European favorite and a team that has already eliminated several strong opponents in this tournament.
Spain – Belgium
Friday, July 10th, 9:00 PM CEST
Spain advanced past Portugal with a 1-0 victory. Before that, they had defeated Austria 3-0 in the first round of the playoffs, significantly improving their performance after a slow start to the tournament. Belgium is moving on after a clear 4-1 victory over the United States. In the previous round, they outscored Senegal 3-2. The Belgians, who had a disappointing group stage, have stepped up in the knockout phase, and Spain represents their toughest test yet.
Norway – England
Saturday, July 11th, 11:00 PM CEST
Norway caused one of the biggest surprises of the tournament by defeating Brazil 2-1 in the round of 16. They reached this stage with a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast. England had to overcome a difficult match against the home team Mexico in the round of 16, winning 3-2. Previously, they defeated the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-1. The match between Norway and England will feature a clash between a physically strong, confident team and one of the traditional favorites of the tournament.
Argentina – Switzerland
Sunday, July 12th, 1:00 AM CEST
Argentina defeated Egypt 3-2. They had previously eliminated Cape Verde with the same scoreline, so they are advancing, but certainly not without problems. Switzerland reached the quarterfinals after a dramatic match against Colombia, which ended in a 0-0 draw and was won by Switzerland 4-3 on penalties. In the previous round, they defeated Algeria 2-0. Against Argentina, they will be an exceptionally organized opponent who can handle pressure and tight finishes.
The quarterfinal schedule promises very strong matchups. France and Spain are confirming their roles as European favorites, Morocco and Norway are continuing their surprisingly strong run, Belgium is getting into gear after a weaker start, and Argentina against Switzerland offers a clash of attacking quality versus tournament discipline.