World Cup quarterfinals set as eight nations advance to last eight in the United States
World Cup quarterfinals headline the tournament’s knockout climb, with eight teams — including Morocco, Norway and Argentina — set to meet in U.S. venues starting July 9, 2026.
The 48-team FIFA World Cup has reached the quarterfinal stage after a dramatic round of 16 that eliminated 40 nations and reshaped expectations. The World Cup quarterfinals will be contested across four U.S. stadiums from July 9–11, 2026, setting up high-stakes matches for the remainder of the tournament.
Quarterfinals field confirmed after decisive round-of-16 results
Morocco, France, Norway, England, Spain, Belgium, Argentina and Switzerland have all claimed places in the World Cup quarterfinals. Key results included Morocco’s 3-0 win over host contender Canada and Norway’s surprise 2-1 victory over Brazil.
Several matches were decided by narrow margins and a penalty shootout, underscoring the unpredictability of this expanded tournament format. Switzerland advanced by beating Colombia 4-3 on penalties, and other ties were settled by single-goal margins.
Full quarterfinal schedule, kickoff times and stadiums
The quarterfinals begin on Thursday, July 9, when France faces Morocco at Boston Stadium at 4:00 p.m. local time. That fixture marks the start of three consecutive days of knockout action across U.S. venues.
Spain plays Belgium on Friday, July 10 at Los Angeles Stadium at 12:00 p.m. local time. The weekend concludes with Norway versus England at Miami Stadium on Saturday, July 11 at 5:00 p.m., followed by Argentina against Switzerland at Kansas City Stadium at 8:00 p.m. local time, which will extend the tournament into the early hours of July 12 for some international viewers.
How each quarterfinalist reached the last eight
Morocco advanced with a commanding 3-0 victory over Canada, eliminating the Canadian hopes for a deep run on home soil. France edged Paraguay 1-0 to progress, while Norway’s 2-1 win over Brazil stands out as the tournament’s most notable upset.
England beat Mexico 3-2 in a closely contested match, and Spain overcame Portugal 1-0 to secure their spot. Belgium dispatched the United States 4-1, Argentina defeated Egypt 3-2, and Switzerland advanced on penalties after a 4-3 shootout win against Colombia.
Broadcasting and streaming options for Canadian viewers
Canadian viewers can watch the World Cup quarterfinals through national broadcast partners. TSN holds the primary English-language rights and will carry live coverage of the matches, with select fixtures also available on CTV. French-language coverage will be provided by RDS and RDS2 for viewers in Quebec and francophone communities.
Subscribers who prefer streaming can access matches through the rights holders’ streaming platforms and services that carry TSN content. Canadian audiences should check local listings and the broadcasters’ schedules for channel assignments and start times in their time zone.
Tactical narratives and players to watch in the last-eight ties
Morocco’s defence and rapid transition play will be central to their challenge against a technically gifted French side that relies on quick combinations and set-piece quality. Norway’s victory over Brazil has put their attacking duo in the spotlight ahead of a showdown with an England team that has shown clinical finishing.
Argentina’s path underlines their attacking depth and reliance on creative midfield control, while Switzerland’s resilience and confidence from penalty success will be key against El Albiceleste. Spain and Belgium bring contrasting styles, with Spain’s possession approach facing Belgium’s direct tempo and versatile attackers.
The quarterfinals promise tactical battles, individual matchups and potential surprises as teams adjust strategies for single-elimination intensity.
Organizers and federations are preparing for high demand and strong crowds at U.S. venues, while supporters in Canada and around the world arrange viewing plans for crucial fixtures. With the tournament now down to eight, the World Cup quarterfinals will determine the semifinalists and intensify the race for the trophy.
Expect passionate atmospheres, tight contests and moments that could define the remainder of the 2026 World Cup.
