The FIFA World Cup 2026 has reached the quarter-final stage following a dramatic Round of 16, with just eight teams remaining in contention for football’s biggest prize.
Defending champions Argentina are joined by France, Morocco, Spain, Belgium, England, Norway and Switzerland in the last eight, setting up four blockbuster quarter-final encounters featuring title favourites, surprise packages and some of the game’s biggest stars.
France vs Morocco
France will renew their rivalry with Morocco in a repeat of the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-final. Didier Deschamps’ side edged past Paraguay 1-0 thanks to Kylian Mbappe’s second-half penalty, while Morocco produced one of the standout performances of the Round of 16 with a commanding 3-0 victory over co-hosts Canada.
Mohamed Ouahbi’s side also became the first African nation to reach consecutive World Cup quarter-finals and will be aiming to avenge their semi-final defeat to France four years ago.
Spain vs Belgium
Spain and Belgium are set for a high-profile European showdown after contrasting victories in the Round of 16.
Spain booked their place with a dramatic 1-0 win over Portugal, courtesy of substitute Mikel Merino’s stoppage-time strike, while Belgium cruised past co-hosts the United States 4-1 behind a brilliant brace from Charles De Ketelaere.
The tie is expected to showcase Spain’s possession-based style against Belgium’s direct and explosive attacking approach.
England vs Norway
England face Norway in one of the most anticipated quarter-final clashes.
Thomas Tuchel’s side overcame Mexico 3-2 despite playing much of the second half with 10 men, as Jude Bellingham’s brace inspired the Three Lions to victory.
Norway, meanwhile, stunned five-time champions Brazil 2-1 after Erling Haaland scored twice late in the match to complete a memorable comeback. The contest will see two of the Premier League’s biggest forwards, Haaland and England captain Harry Kane, go head-to-head.
Argentina vs Switzerland
Defending champions Argentina continue their title defence against Switzerland after surviving a major scare against Egypt.
Lionel Scaloni’s men trailed 2-0 before staging a remarkable comeback, with Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez scoring inside the final 13 minutes to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory.
Switzerland, meanwhile, reached the quarter-finals for the first time since 1954 after defeating Colombia in a penalty shootout and will hope to frustrate the reigning champions.
The race for the Golden Boot has also intensified heading into the last eight. Lionel Messi leads the scoring charts with eight goals, followed by Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland on seven each. Harry Kane has six goals, while Jude Bellingham, Ousmane Dembele, Ismael Saibari and Johan Manzambi remain in contention.
