The Road to the Quarterfinals

The FIFA World Cup 2026, featuring an unprecedented 48 teams, has progressed to its quarterfinal phase following intense competition. Over the past two weeks, 40 nations have been eliminated, leaving only eight contenders vying for the coveted trophy. The tournament, hosted across various venues in the United States, has seen a series of thrilling encounters leading up to this critical stage.

As the knockout rounds unfolded, each match presented unique challenges, culminating in a diverse group of teams representing different footballing philosophies. The expanded format has allowed for more nations to participate on the global stage, contributing to a dynamic and unpredictable competition.

Qualified Teams for the Quarterfinals

The following nations have successfully navigated their respective Round of 16 fixtures to secure a spot in the quarterfinals:

  • Morocco: Advanced after a decisive 3-0 victory over Canada.
  • France: Secured their place by defeating Paraguay with a 1-0 scoreline.
  • Norway: Pulled off an upset, overcoming Brazil 2-1.
  • England: Triumphed in a competitive match against Mexico, winning 3-2.
  • Spain: Edged out Portugal with a narrow 1-0 victory.
  • Belgium: Demonstrated strong form, defeating the USA 4-1.
  • Argentina: Qualified after a hard-fought 3-2 win against Egypt.
  • Switzerland: Progressed in a dramatic encounter against Colombia, winning 4-3 in a penalty shootout.

These eight teams now prepare to face off in a series of high-stakes matches, with each aiming to advance further in the tournament.

Quarterfinal Match Schedule

The quarterfinal matches are set to take place across various stadiums in the United States, promising an exciting series of contests. Fans can anticipate intense rivalries and strategic gameplay as teams battle for a place in the semifinals.

Thursday, July 9

  • France vs Morocco: Scheduled for 4:00 PM (20:00 GMT) at Boston Stadium, US. This match pits two formidable teams against each other in what is expected to be a tactical battle.

Friday, July 10

  • Spain vs Belgium: Kicking off at 12:00 PM (19:00 GMT) at Los Angeles Stadium, US. Both teams are known for their technical prowess and will be looking to dominate possession.

Saturday, July 11

  • Norway vs England: Set for 5:00 PM (21:00 GMT) at Miami Stadium, US. This fixture features two teams that have shown resilience and attacking flair throughout the tournament.
  • Argentina vs Switzerland: The final quarterfinal match will commence at 8:00 PM (01:00 GMT on Sunday) at Kansas City Stadium, US. This game promises a captivating contest between two teams with a history of competitive encounters.

Where to Watch the World Cup Quarterfinals

For fans eager to follow the action, various broadcasting options are available depending on their geographical location.

In the United States

English-language coverage of every match will be provided by Fox and FS1. All 104 games are also accessible for streaming via Fox One and the Fox Sports app. For Spanish-language broadcasts, Telemundo and Universo will be covering the matches, with streaming options available through Peacock. Additionally, cord-cutters can access Fox and FS1 through streaming services such as Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and DirecTV Stream.

In Canada

TSN serves as the primary English-language broadcaster for the tournament, with selected matches also airing on CTV. French-speaking viewers can tune into RDS and RDS2 for comprehensive coverage of the games.

As the tournament progresses, the stakes continue to rise, with each match bringing teams closer to the ultimate prize. The quarterfinals are expected to deliver thrilling football as the world watches to see which nations will advance to the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Source: Original Article