​The 2026 FIFA World Cup has been winnowed from 48 nations down to eight after four weeks of gripping play and 95 matches. The group phase and the knockout rounds produced unforgettable moments, dramatic upsets, and the emergence of standout talents. Now the eight remaining teams are set to battle in the quarterfinals, each hoping to take another crucial step toward World Cup glory.
In the round of 16, all three host nations—Canada, Mexico, and the United States—were eliminated. They joined other early exits, including Brazil and Germany, whose surprising defeats marked the first time in World Cup history that both teams failed to reach the quarterfinals. The eight teams still contesting the trophy are: defending champions Argentina, Belgium, England, France, Morocco, Norway, Spain, and Switzerland. Of these, four sides are chasing a second World Cup title, while Belgium, Morocco, Norway, and Switzerland are pursuing their first victory on football’s biggest stage.
France and Morocco will kick off the quarterfinals on Thursday, July 9, with the opening match scheduled at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Here is the quarterfinal lineup as these elite nations vie for a coveted place in the semifinals.
The teams that have advanced to the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals are Morocco, France, Norway, England, Belgium, Argentina, Switzerland, and Spain. The quarterfinal matchups and kickoff times are as follows: France versus Morocco at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time in Foxborough, Massachusetts; Spain against Belgium at noon local time / 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time in Inglewood, California; Norway versus England at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time at American Airlines Field in Miami Gardens, Florida; and Argentina versus Switzerland at 8:00 p.m. local time / 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time in Kansas City, Missouri.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When do the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals start? Eight teams chase World Cup glory, for better SEO.