2026 FIFA World Cup: Quarterfinal Stage
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, has reached its quarterfinal phase with six teams now confirmed. This expanded 48-team tournament continues to deliver thrilling matches for fans worldwide.
Confirmed Teams and Their Paths
The following nations have secured their spots in the quarterfinals:
- Morocco
- France
- Norway
- England
- Spain
- Belgium
Three quarterfinal pairings have been set: Morocco vs. France, Norway vs. England, and Spain vs. Belgium. The first quarterfinal match will kick off on July 9 at 23:00 Kyiv time, featuring France and Morocco.
Morocco earned their quarterfinal berth by defeating Canada in a playoff match. During the second half, Achraf Hakimi set up Unai, who slotted the ball into the far corner. Unai later completed a brace with a powerful strike into the top corner. Another memorable moment came when Rahimi hit the crossbar from outside the box.
France advanced to the quarterfinals by overcoming Paraguay in the Round of 16. The decisive moment arrived in the 67th minute when Désiré Doué burst into the penalty area and was fouled by Gustavo Gómez. After a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty, which Kylian Mbappé converted by firing into the bottom right corner.
The 2026 World Cup, featuring 48 teams, will conclude on July 19. The remaining matches promise high tension and excitement as teams battle for a spot in the semifinals.
The quarterfinal lineup reflects the tournament's high level of competition and the drama that has defined it so far.
The teams that have reached this stage have showcased exceptional football skills and tactical acumen, setting the stage for captivating matches in the rounds ahead. Fans can anticipate intense contests where every side will fight to maximize their chances of advancing, adding to the pressure and excitement of each game.
As the excitement builds for the quarterfinals, fans may also want to catch up on how the tournament unfolded in earlier stages. For those interested in the viewing schedule of the Round of 16 matches in Ukraine, it's essential to stay updated on the kickoff times to not miss any thrilling moments. Each match leading up to this stage has added to the drama of the tournament.