Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

2026 World Cup quarterfinals are now locked in, with France, Morocco, Spain, Belgium, Norway, England, Argentina and Switzerland left chasing places in the semi-finals.

The tournament has moved from 48 teams to eight, and the next three matchdays will decide which nations stay alive in the race for football’s biggest prize across venues in Boston, Los Angeles, Miami and Kansas City.

The last-eight picture also sharpens Argentina’s path, after Argentina’s World Cup knockout escape raised questions before their Switzerland test.

France Open Against Morocco

France face Morocco at Boston Stadium on Friday, July 10, with kickoff listed at 6:00am AEST, 5:30am ACST and 4:00am AWST.

The French attack remains one of the tournament’s most dangerous, led by Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele and either Bradley Barcola or Desire Doue.

Morocco will need a disciplined defensive shape and quick outlets through Achraf Hakimi and Ayyoub Bouaddi.

Ismael Saibari remains a fitness doubt, but Morocco’s run has already shown they can trouble stronger squads when they defend compactly and break with speed.

Spain And Belgium Meet In Los Angeles

Spain take on Belgium at Los Angeles Stadium on Saturday, July 11, with kickoff at 5:00am AEST, 4:30am ACST and 3:00am AWST.

Spain reached this stage after a narrow 1-0 win over Portugal, while Belgium arrived with confidence after a 4-1 victory over the United States.

This match shapes as a clear tactical contrast.

Spain will try to control possession and tempo, while Belgium are likely to press higher and attack more directly when space opens.

The winner will move into a semi-final against either France or Morocco.

Sunday Brings Two Major Clashes

Norway face England at Miami Stadium on Sunday, July 12, with kickoff at 7:00am AEST, 6:30am ACST and 5:00am AWST.

Erling Haaland’s scoring run gives Norway a constant threat, while England will lean on Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham in a match likely to be decided by midfield control and penalty-box finishing.

Argentina then meet Switzerland at Kansas City Stadium at 11:00am AEST, 10:30am ACST and 9:00am AWST.

Lionel Messi remains Argentina’s main figure, but Switzerland’s organisation and recent knockout win over Algeria make them a difficult opponent.

Official tournament details are available through FIFA.