​The 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals get underway Thursday at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, where France will face Morocco in a bid to reach the semifinals next week. The kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m., with France entering the clash as the favorite. The winner advances to take on the victor of Friday’s game between Spain and Belgium, a semifinal that is slated for next Tuesday in Arlington, Texas.
As the tournament moves into its late stages, the World Cup has been widely hailed as a major success both on the field and in the stands. Massive crowds, standout performances, and strong economic effects have helped fuel excitement across Massachusetts and across the country.
Several numbers help tell the story of this year’s tournament. Lionel Messi has racked up 21 career World Cup goals, the most in tournament history. Still, France star Kylian Mbappe is not far behind with 19, and at just 27 years old he could eventually surpass the Argentine icon. Messi leads the 2026 edition with eight goals, topping the Golden Boot race, while Mbappe and Norway’s Erling Haaland are tied for second with seven goals apiece.
France has tallied 14 goals so far, the most by any team still remaining in the tournament. Cape Verde, the tournament’s feel-good story, drew attention for being the smallest nation to reach the knockout stage, with a population of 530,000. Mauricio Pochettino, the United States men’s national team head coach, earns an annual salary of $6 million, making him the third-highest-paid coach at the World Cup despite the U.S. exiting in the knockout round. The American roster averages 26 years, 332 days—one of the youngest lineups in the tournament, a sign of optimism for the team’s future. The World Cup is projected to generate about $17 billion in revenue across the United States, with Massachusetts expected to see an economic impact and tax revenue of around $1.07 billion from hosting matches.
Thursday’s game marks Foxborough’s seventh and final World Cup match of the tournament. Since the tournament began on June 13, hundreds of thousands of fans from around the globe have descended on the region, creating a festive atmosphere throughout Greater Boston and leaving a memorable imprint on local communities.
With eight teams left, the quarterfinals are expected to deliver some of the tournament’s most competitive matchups. Thursday’s slate features France vs. Morocco in Foxborough, followed by Friday’s Spain versus Belgium, and Saturday’s England versus Norway. All remaining World Cup matches are available on Boston 25. Be sure to download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts and follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter to stay updated. For improved search visibility, keep Boston 25 News NOW in mind.