World Cup 2026 Quarter-Finals: The Last Eight Set
The Round of 16 is done, and the World Cup 2026 field is down to its final eight. Argentina’s late comeback against Egypt and Switzerland’s penalty shootout win over Colombia on July 7 completed a last-eight line-up that mixes familiar heavyweights with a couple of teams enjoying rare deep runs — and, strikingly, not a single host nation among them.
This page tracks who is through, how the bracket lines up, and where the quarter-finals are played.
Which teams have qualified for the World Cup 2026 quarter-finals?
Eight teams have booked their place in the last eight:
| Team | Round of 16 result |
|---|---|
| France | 1-0 over Paraguay (Mbappé penalty) |
| Morocco | 3-0 against Canada |
| Spain | 1-0 over Portugal |
| Belgium | 4-1 against the United States |
| Norway | 2-1 over Brazil (Haaland brace) |
| England | 2-1 against Mexico |
| Argentina | 3-2 over Egypt (from 2-0 down) |
| Switzerland | 0-0 Colombia, 4-3 on penalties |
What are the World Cup 2026 quarter-final fixtures?
The four ties split the bracket into two halves:
| Quarter-final | Venue | City |
|---|---|---|
| France vs Morocco | Boston Stadium | Foxborough |
| Spain vs Belgium | Los Angeles Stadium | Inglewood |
| Norway vs England | Miami Stadium | Miami Gardens |
| Argentina vs Switzerland | Kansas City Stadium | Kansas City |
The quarter-finals are played between July 9 and July 11. France vs Morocco and Spain vs Belgium sit in the top half of the draw, feeding the first semi-final in Dallas; Norway vs England and Argentina vs Switzerland make up the bottom half, feeding the second semi-final in Atlanta.
How did the last eight get here?
Every tie in the bracket carries a story. France edged Paraguay with a Kylian Mbappé penalty to reach a fourth straight quarter-final, and now face a Morocco side that dismantled co-hosts Canada 3-0. In the other top-half tie, Spain settled an Iberian derby with Portugal 1-0 and meet a Belgium team that put four past the United States.
The bottom half is no gentler. Norway stunned Brazil behind an Erling Haaland brace and now stand between England — 2-1 winners over hosts Mexico at the Azteca — and a semi-final. And the champions must go the distance: Argentina came from 2-0 down with 11 minutes left to beat Egypt, then drew Switzerland, who reached their first quarter-final since 1954 by beating Colombia on penalties.
Why is there no host nation in the last eight?
Because the Round of 16 was brutal to the three co-hosts. Mexico, unbeaten and yet to concede in the group stage, lost 2-1 to England at altitude. Canada were swept aside 3-0 by Morocco. And the United States, who had carried real momentum, were beaten 4-1 by Belgium. For the first World Cup staged across three nations, all three exit before the quarter-finals — a chastening milestone for the hosts and an open bracket for everyone else.
Which teams are the favourites in the quarter-finals?
On pedigree, the defending champions lead the way. Argentina have Lionel Messi and the habit of finding a way, even from 2-0 down, though their slow starts are a warning. France, beaten finalists in 2022, remain a tournament machine built around Mbappé. Spain arrived in ruthless knockout form, and England — so often undone at this stage — look as balanced as any side left.
The outsiders bring different threats. Norway have the tournament’s form striker in Haaland and the belief that comes from knocking out Brazil. Morocco, semi-finalists in 2022, are battle-hardened and hard to break down. Belgium have goals in them, and Switzerland have shown they can grind out the tightest of nights. In a bracket with no hosts and no obvious runaway favourite, the last eight is as open as it has looked in years.
When and where are the World Cup 2026 semi-finals and final?
The winners move into the closing week. The first semi-final is on July 14 in Dallas, pairing the winners of France–Morocco and Spain–Belgium; the second is on July 15 in Atlanta, between the winners of Norway–England and Argentina–Switzerland. The final is on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
For the full picture of how the field narrowed from 48 teams, see our tracker on who qualified for the Round of 32. This page will stay current as the quarter-finals are played.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which teams are in the World Cup 2026 quarter-finals?
Eight teams: France, Morocco, Spain, Belgium, Norway, England, Argentina and Switzerland. The Round of 16 finished on July 7, 2026, with Argentina's comeback win over Egypt and Switzerland's penalty shootout win over Colombia the last two results in.
What are the World Cup 2026 quarter-final fixtures?
France vs Morocco, Spain vs Belgium, Norway vs England and Argentina vs Switzerland. The four ties are played between July 9 and July 11 in Boston, Los Angeles, Miami and Kansas City.
Are the host nations still in World Cup 2026?
No. All three co-hosts are out. Mexico lost 2-1 to England, Canada were beaten 3-0 by Morocco, and the United States fell 4-1 to Belgium in the Round of 16.
When are the World Cup 2026 semi-finals and final?
The semi-finals are on July 14 in Dallas and July 15 in Atlanta. The final is on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Who is the favourite to win World Cup 2026?
Defending champions Argentina and France, beaten finalists in 2022, are among the favourites, but Spain and England both arrived in the last eight in strong form. Norway and Switzerland are the outsiders of the eight.
People Also Ask
Data sources
- Wikipedia — 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage
- ESPN — 2026 World Cup bracket and knockout schedule
- FIFA — World Cup 2026 match centre
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