Eight Teams Qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarterfinals; Upcoming Match Schedule Confirmed
With the conclusion of the pre-quarterfinal match between Switzerland and Colombia on Wednesday morning, the eight teams advancing to the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 have been finalized. The quarterfinal matchups are now set. The tournament, taking place in North America, has seen Europe lead with six teams qualifying for the quarterfinals, while South America and Africa each have one representative. Former five-time world champion Brazil, along with the three host nations—the United States, Mexico, and Canada—were eliminated in the round of 16. Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, also exited at that stage. Defending champions Argentina, along with previous winners France, Spain, and England, have secured their spots in the final eight. The quarterfinal games are scheduled to begin after a one-day break.
The 23rd edition of the World Cup pre-quarterfinals proved highly competitive, dramatic, and thrilling. Defending champions Argentina staged a late comeback to eliminate five-time champions Brazil. Dark horse teams Norway and Morocco made history, while Portugal was eliminated by Spain. In the first pre-quarterfinal match, African powerhouse Morocco defeated co-host Canada 3-0, becoming the first African nation to reach the quarterfinals twice in a row, having reached the semifinals four years ago. Canada’s knockout-stage journey on home soil ended at the round of 16. In another match, former finalist France edged Paraguay 1-0 with Kylian Mbappé scoring a penalty. Meanwhile, prolific striker Erling Haaland scored twice late in the game to give Norway a 2-1 victory over Brazil, marking Norway’s inaugural quarterfinal appearance. Brazil failed to reach World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in 36 years.
England advanced to the quarterfinals with a 3-2 win over co-host Mexico, despite finishing the game with ten men. In another close pre-quarterfinal, Spain defeated neighboring Portugal 1-0 with a last-minute goal by Mikel Merino. Hosts continued to exit, as the United States lost 4-1 at home to Belgium, who has performed excellently in the knockout phase despite struggling in the group stage. The knockout stage has been challenging for defending champions Argentina; after beating debutants Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time, Argentina fought back from a two-goal deficit against Egypt to win 3-2. In the final pre-quarterfinal showdown, Switzerland defeated Colombia 4-3 on penalties following a goalless 120 minutes.
According to the quarterfinal lineup, the first match will be between former finalists France and 2022 semifinalists Morocco, replicating their 2022 Qatar semifinal where France won 2-0 to reach the final for the second consecutive time. The second quarterfinal will feature 2010 champions Spain against fellow European team Belgium. Spain returns to the quarterfinals for the first time in 16 years, while Belgium returns after an 8-year absence; Belgium finished fourth in the 2018 World Cup but were eliminated in the group stage in 2022. Norway, making its first quarterfinal appearance, will face England, the 1966 World Cup champions, in the third match. Norway secured their quarterfinal place by defeating Brazil, marking their return to the World Cup after 28 years. England has not reached the final since their 1966 triumph. Defending champions Argentina will meet Switzerland in the final quarterfinal match. Argentina is appearing in their 19th World Cup, reaching six finals and winning three titles, aiming to become the first team in 64 years to defend their World Cup title. Switzerland returns to the quarterfinals for the first time in 72 years.
The race for the Golden Boot is intensifying as the semifinals approach. Lionel Messi leads with eight goals, followed closely by France’s captain Kylian Mbappé and Norway’s striker Erling Haaland, each with seven goals. Mbappé has also provided two assists. Messi has scored in all five matches he has played at this tournament, while Haaland has scored in every match he has played. England captain Harry Kane, with six goals, is also a strong contender. Norway and England meet in the quarterfinals, adding excitement to the competition between Haaland and Kane. Only one of them is likely to continue to compete for the Golden Boot, depending on who advances. The number of contenders will likely decrease as the tournament progresses to the semifinals and final. Other notable challengers include France’s Ousmane Dembélé and Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal, both with four goals.
Quarterfinal Match Schedule:
France vs. Morocco — June 26, 1:45 AM, Boston Stadium
Spain vs. Belgium — June 27, 12:45 AM, Los Angeles Stadium
Norway vs. England — June 28, 2:45 AM, Miami Stadium
Argentina vs. Switzerland — June 28, 6:45 AM, Kansas City Stadium
