The 2026 FIFA World Cup has narrowed its field from 48 entrants to eight teams, setting the stage for the quarterfinal round. The remaining matches will decide which four nations advance to the semifinals and ultimately vie for the trophy. Below is a concise guide to each quarterfinal contest, covering kickoff times, venues, and notable players on both sides.
Each fixture carries significant implications, as winners will meet in the semifinals and losers will exit the tournament. The schedule spans three days, with the first match on Friday, July 10, and the final two quarterfinals taking place on Sunday, July 12. Fans can track local start times across Australian Eastern, Central, and Western time zones, as well as the host cities in North America.
France vs Morocco – Friday, July 10
France opens the quarterfinals against Morocco at Boston Stadium, kicking off at 6:00 am AEST (5:30 am ACST, 4:00 am AWST). The French side arrives with a prolific four‑forward line featuring Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé and either Bradley Barcola or Desire Doué, a combination that has dominated opponents so far.
Morocco will look to counter France's attack with the pace of wing‑back Achraf Hakimi and the creativity of midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. Striker Ismaël Saïbari remains a doubt due to fitness concerns, but any victory for the North African team would be considered a major upset, given the French squad's unbeaten run.
Spain vs Belgium – Saturday, July 11
The second quarterfinal pits Spain against Belgium at Los Angeles Stadium, with a 5:00 am AEST (4:30 am ACST, 3:00 am AWST) start. Spain entered the knockout stage after a narrow 1‑0 win over Portugal, while Belgium advanced by dispatching the United States 4‑1 in a commanding display.
Both teams boast world‑class talent, and the match is expected to feature a tactical battle between Spain's possession‑based approach and Belgium's more direct, high‑press style. The winner earns a semifinal slot opposite either France or Morocco.
Norway vs England and Argentina vs Switzerland – Sunday, July 12
Two quarterfinals are scheduled for Sunday at Miami Stadium (7:00 am AEST / 6:30 am ACST / 5:00 am AWST) and Kansas City Stadium (11:00 am AEST / 10:30 am ACST / 9:00 am AWST). Norway, led by Erling Haaland—who has scored in his last 14 internationals—faces a resilient England side that overcame a ten‑man disadvantage in their previous knockout match.
England will rely on the striking prowess of Harry Kane and the midfield dynamism of Jude Bellingham, while Norway will lean heavily on Haaland's goal threat. In the other fixture, Argentina, driven by Lionel Messi's influence, meets Switzerland, a disciplined side that topped Group B and defeated Algeria to reach the quarterfinals. Messi's record for goals and assists at World Cups makes him the focal point for Argentina, while Switzerland will need to find a way past the defending champions.
