​In less than two weeks, the FIFA World Cup 2026 will crown a winner. Only ten teams remain out of the 48 that began the tournament, and the landscape has narrowed to a tight group competing for the title. The championship match is scheduled to be played at the New York-New Jersey Stadium on Saturday, July 19, at 3 p.m. Eastern Time.
Here’s what you need to know as the knockout stage progresses. The teams that produced strong performances in the Round of 16 and have earned spots in the quarterfinals are still in contention, while other contenders await the completion of their Round of 16 fixtures on Tuesday, July 7. According to FIFA statistics, the leading offensive teams still in the tournament, ranked by goals scored, are as follows: France with 14, Belgium with 13, Norway with 12, England with 11, Argentina with 11, and Morocco with 10. All listed times are in Eastern Time.
Upcoming Round of 16 and knockout phase schedule includes: Tuesday, July 7 at 12 p.m., Argentina versus Egypt, and at 4 p.m., Switzerland versus Colombia. On Thursday, July 9 at 4 p.m., France faces Morocco. Friday, July 10 at 3 p.m., Spain takes on Belgium. The competition will intensify as teams aim for a place in the semifinals and beyond, with the potential for dramatic upsets or consolidations of strength.
Looking ahead, the schedule also notes a pivotal match on Saturday, July 11, at 5 p.m., Norway versus England, followed by the 9 p.m. showdown featuring the winners of the July 7 matches. This World Cup race is drawing toward its climax, promising high-stakes football as teams battle for a coveted place in the final.
Juan Carlos Castillo, a New Jersey-based reporter for the USA Today Network, contributes coverage focused on weather and national events, highlighting how developments affect New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press, under the headline, “The World Cup is coming to an end. Who’s ahead and when are the games?” and has been repurposed for broader readership to enhance search engine visibility. The overarching context reflects the global attention surrounding the event as it nears its finale, with fans eagerly tracking standings, schedules, and key matchups.