The Road to the Final Four Begins
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached its most dramatic phase yet. After 104 group-stage matches and a thrilling Round of 16 that saw host nation USA eliminated by Belgium and defending champion Argentina scrape past Egypt, only eight teams remain. The quarterfinals kick off today — July 9, 2026 — across four iconic American venues, and the football world is holding its breath.
Six European powerhouses — France, Spain, Belgium, England, Norway, and Switzerland — are joined by African champions Morocco and South American giants Argentina in a last-eight line-up that promises blockbuster entertainment.
France vs Morocco — A 2022 Semi-Final Rematch
Thursday, July 9 — Gillette Stadium, Boston — 4 PM ET
The headline act of the quarterfinal round is a replay of the 2022 World Cup semi-final. France, the 2018 champions and 2022 runners-up, face a Morocco side that has transformed from plucky underdog into genuine contender. The Atlas Lions have not lost in 34 matches and are Africa Cup of Nations champions, fielding an entirely refreshed squad compared to their 2022 run.
Kylian Mbappe remains the tournament’s most dangerous attacker, chasing both the Golden Boot and the all-time World Cup scoring record. For Morocco, the pace of Achraf Hakimi and the creativity of their midfield engine room will test a French defence anchored by William Saliba. France have never lost to Morocco, but this iteration of the north African side is different — dynamic, confident, and tactically astute.
Prediction: France 2-1 Morocco — the most tightly-contested quarterfinal on paper.
Spain vs Belgium — Attack vs Defence
Friday, July 10 — SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles — 3 PM ET
Two European heavyweights collide in LA. Spain’s tiki-taka possession game meets Belgium’s devastating counter-attacking machine. Belgium sent shockwaves through the tournament by eliminating the host nation USA 4-1 in the Round of 16, with Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne in vintage form.
Spain, on the other hand, have been quietly efficient — controlling games through midfield possession and clinical finishing. The question is whether Belgium’s formidable attack can finally crack Spain’s disciplined defensive structure, something few teams have managed in this tournament.
Prediction: Spain 1-1 Belgium (Spain win on penalties) — a cagey tactical battle.
Norway vs England — Haaland vs Kane: A Striker’s Duel for the Ages
Saturday, July 11 — Hard Rock Stadium, Miami — 5 PM ET
This is the fixture that neutrals have been dreaming of. Erling Haaland — arguably the most lethal striker in world football — leads Norway into their first World Cup quarterfinal in decades. On the other side, Harry Kane captains an England side that has grown stronger as the tournament has progressed, dismantling Congo DR in the Round of 32 and edging past Mexico in the Round of 16.
The subplot writes itself: two of the Premier League’s all-time great goalscorers going head-to-head on the biggest stage. England’s midfield depth — Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, and Phil Foden — gives them the edge in creativity, but Norway’s defensive organization around Haaland’s relentless pressing makes them a nightmare matchup.
Prediction: England 3-2 Norway — goals, drama, and a potential extra-time classic.
Argentina vs Switzerland — Messi’s Last Dance Continues
Saturday, July 11 — Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City — 9 PM ET
Lionel Messi’s quest to become the first player since Brazil’s Pelé (and more recently, himself in 2022) to win back-to-back World Cups continues against a disciplined Swiss side that has exceeded all expectations. Switzerland eliminated Colombia in the Round of 16 with a tactical masterclass, and their compact defensive structure will test Argentina’s patience.
Argentina have not been at their fluent best — scraping past Egypt required late heroics — but Messi’s genius remains the ultimate difference-maker. With both the Golden Boot race and World Cup immortality on the line, every touch from the Argentine magician will be scrutinized.
Prediction: Argentina 2-0 Switzerland — class tells in the end.
What’s at Stake
The winners advance to the semi-finals on July 14-15, with the final scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. France-Morocco’s winner faces Spain-Belgium’s winner, while Norway-England’s winner meets Argentina-Switzerland’s survivor.
For fans looking to stay on top of every twist and turn, MK Sports offers comprehensive match previews, real-time odds, and expert analysis throughout the knockout stages. Whether you are backing Mbappe to fire France to glory or expecting Messi’s magic to prevail once more, this is the week that separates contenders from champions.
Where to Watch
All quarterfinal matches are broadcast live on FOX, Telemundo, and FOX One in the United States, with streaming available on Fubo and Peacock. BBC Sounds and BBC Sport provide full radio commentary and live text updates for UK audiences.
Stay tuned to MK Sports for post-match reaction, tactical breakdowns, and exclusive betting insights as the 2026 World Cup reaches its electrifying conclusion.