​Argentina’s title defense remains alive, but the path to the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup trophy has changed significantly in just a few days. The quarterfinal field for the 2026 World Cup was finalized on Tuesday after Lionel Messi and Argentina staged an extraordinary comeback from 2-0 down to beat Egypt 3-2, while Switzerland edged Colombia in a penalty shootout. Those results completed the last-eight lineup that also includes France, Spain, England, Belgium, Norway and Morocco.
The knockout stage has already delivered several shockwaves, including Norway’s upset of Brazil, Morocco’s continued Cinderella run, and Belgium’s commanding 4-1 demolition of the United States. It’s notable that early heavyweights and title contenders such as Portugal, the Netherlands, and Germany had already exited, leaving a tighter, more unpredictable field with eight teams remaining. Each remaining match carries the potential to reshape the championship narrative in a dramatic fashion.
The quarterfinal matchups are now set as follows:
– France vs. Morocco — July 9
– Spain vs. Belgium — July 10
– Norway vs. England — July 11
– Argentina vs. Switzerland — July 11
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The winners will advance to the semifinals and move one step closer to the July 19 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The list of contenders has narrowed considerably. Spain arrives at the quarterfinals with growing momentum after ousting Portugal and reaching its first World Cup quarterfinal since its 2010 title run. France remains among the favorites, led by Kylian Mbappé, while Argentina continues to lean on Messi as it pursues back-to-back titles. England has quietly progressed through tough knockout ties, and Belgium reminded everyone of its potency with a convincing 4-1 victory over the United States in the Round of 16.
Argentina appeared in danger of a shocking exit on Tuesday before delivering one of the tournament’s most dramatic comebacks. Trailing Egypt 2-0 late, the defending champions struck three times in the final 14 minutes to clinch a spot in the quarterfinals, preserving Messi’s quest for another World Cup trophy and marking a defining moment of the tournament. Next up is Switzerland, which held Colombia to a goalless draw before beating them in a penalty shootout.
No team may have boosted its championship credentials more than Norway — and their striker Erling Haaland. Norway stunned five-time champion Brazil 2-1 in one of the tournament’s biggest upsets, a result that transformed them from dark horses into a legitimate title threat heading into a quarterfinal meeting with England. With Haaland in top form, Norway suddenly has a realistic path to the semifinals and beyond.
One of the most anticipated quarterfinals pairs Spain against Belgium, a clash that promises high-quality football and a potential blueprint for how the tournament could unfold in the latter stages.