​Day 31 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup signals the end of the quarterfinal stage, with the last two clashes of the knockout rounds scheduled to decide who advances to the semifinals. The opening match pairs Norway against England in Miami, while Argentina confronts Switzerland in Kansas City in the nightcap. The victors from both games will secure spots in the semifinals, set to take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on July 15.
All times listed are in Eastern Time and reflect the schedule accurate as of Thursday, July 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. The first kickoff is at 5:00 PM ET, broadcast on Fox, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. This quarterfinal pairing stands out as potentially the most captivating of the lot. Norway, the rising force, faces a familiar heavyweight in England, and their collision promises more than just a clash of styles. Two of the world’s top forwards will be on display, each trying to guide his team to a place in the final four. Erling Haaland has been sensational, delivering a defining performance that helped eliminate Brazil, and he will aim to replicate that form against the country of his birth. England, meanwhile, comes off a wild, drama-filled group of knockout encounters, and their resilience will be put to the test as they attempt to rebound from a volatile previous scare in the Azteca.
The tactical intrigue could be matched by the drama on the field. If Norway chooses a more conservative approach, England might struggle to break them down, though both teams will be acutely aware of Haaland’s threat. If he is effectively shackled, the match could hinge on whether England can create the opportunities needed to unlock Norway’s defense and take control of the proceedings.
The second quarterfinal, at 9:00 PM ET on Fox, takes place at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, and features Argentina facing Switzerland. Argentina remains the defending champion and has already delivered two knockout-round classics, underscoring Lionel Messi’s continued display of urgency, passion, and leadership on the world stage. For Messi, this might be his last tilt at lifting the World Cup, and his current form suggests he’s playing with a profound sense of purpose. That same drive makes Argentina a must-watch entry in what could be another memorable night for the sport.
Yet there are caveats for this match, particularly for Switzerland. Their bright young talent, Johan Manzambi, has been dealing with an injury and is racing to be ready for this pivotal game. If Manzambi cannot play, Switzerland could struggle to threaten Argentina consistently in the attacking third. His absence would leave gaps in their forward line and could push Switzerland toward a longer, more methodical route to the goal, potentially inviting Argentina to control the tempo and press for a decisive breakthrough. A repeat of the recent penalty-fueled dramatic finish would thrill viewers, but if Manzambi is unavailable, the match might unfold as a more measured, less flashy 90 minutes, with penalties again looming as a possible outcome.
Watch the 2026 World Cup with Fubo. This story originally appeared on USA TODAY as part of coverage detailing “What soccer games are today? Breaking down World Cup schedule for July 11” to help readers understand the lineup and implications for the tournament’s knockout stages.