The FIFA World Cup 2026 has entered its most thrilling phase as the quarterfinals are underway. Eight teams are still fighting it out for football's grand prize after weeks of high drama in the group stage and Round of 32 and 16 games. Each game has the potential to become historic now, and the victors will be closer to getting to the FIFA World Cup trophy.
The classic powerhouses of football – France, Spain, England, Argentina and Belgium – are on a quest for glory, while Norway and Switzerland are aiming to make history. As the tournament has already produced some incredible upsets, brilliant goals, and unforgettable moments, fans around the world are buzzing about all of the fixtures.
The quarterfinals will deliver some great football, tactical showdowns between some of the world's best managers and individual brilliance from some of the world's best players. The semifinal is just around the corner, and all teams will need to perform at their level best to be in the fight.
France Becomes the First Semifinalist
France became the first nation to secure a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals after defeating Morocco in the opening quarterfinal. The French side played admirably, tightly playing the ball and finding the back of the net with method and precision to put themselves in the final four.
Kylian Mbappé had yet again been France's leading attacking threat, while Ousmane Dembélé scored again to secure the win. Morocco fought hard and went on to demonstrate the spirit and determination that saw them fight their way deep into the tournament, but the experience and quality of the French team thwarted them.
France have become one of the most able sides to come out on top of the tournament with this victory, and now have to wait for the outcome of the Spain-Belgium quarterfinal.
Spain vs Belgium Headlines Today's Quarterfinal
It is one of the biggest quarterfinal games of the tournament as Spain take on Belgium today. Neither team has been disappointing so far in this tournament, and both teams have the potential to win the tournament.
Spain have been holding onto their signature possession-based football, fast passing and tight defensive system. They have been able to dominate in the middle of the field and have a scoring threat every time.
Belgium, on the other hand, have developed attacking flair and experience. They are one of the most dangerous sides in the tournament because of their presence on the wing, speed and clinical finishing.
This match will take place in the semifinals, where France are waiting. Football supporters are hoping for a tight game, which may end up being won by a single goal or even penalties.
Norway vs England and Argentina vs Switzerland: Quarterfinal Preview
After today's Spain vs Belgium match, football fans can expect two more thrilling quarterfinal games to round out the semifinal teams. Norway will play England and Argentina will battle it out with Switzerland in another exciting day of FIFA World Cup action.
Norway vs England
Norway have been one of the teams to get big surprises out of the tournament. They have all that discipline when defending, have the counterattacks and are working with a lot of determination to eliminate some of the strongest teams of the competition. Overall, the Norwegian team has demonstrated a high degree of unity and determination in their efforts, and they have consistently performed well against their opponents. The Norwegian squad has shown remarkable consistency and confidence, proving that teamwork can overcome even the toughest opponents.
England, on the other hand, entered the World Cup as one of the favourites. The Three Lions have demonstrated their attacking quality throughout the tournament, creating numerous scoring opportunities while maintaining a balanced defensive structure. Their experienced squad and tactical flexibility make them a formidable opponent in the knockout stage.
This match is likely to be an interesting clash between the well-organized defence and the attacking prowess of the two sides. The win would put them in the semi-finals and give them their chance of winning the World Cup.
Argentina vs Switzerland
In the second quarterfinal, Argentina will take on Switzerland in yet another exciting matchup. Argentina have proved once again to be one of the football giants of the world, delivering key performances during the group and knockout stages of the competition. They've also been a team that's been going strong when it counts most, with their attacking players and the balance of the team making them one of the strongest contenders for the title.
Switzerland have been a great deal better than they let on at the tournament, with them cruising through the knockout stages thanks to disciplined defending, tactical awareness and a lack of tremors in the cage. They're a dangerous side that could be the cause of another upset, due to their ability to frustrate stronger opponents.
The match is expected to be a tight one between two teams with plenty of quality to make it to the semifinals, according to football experts. Ultimately, it may be down to individual brilliance, defensive organization and tactical changes.
With these two quarterfinals scheduled back-to-back, fans can expect another memorable day of football as the race for the FIFA World Cup 2026 title continues.
Quarterfinal Results So Far
With the tournament in its final stages, each quarterfinal result has a huge bearing on the FIFA World Cup Final.
Completed Quarterfinal
- France beat Morocco to qualify for the semi-finals as the first team.
Today's Quarterfinal
- Spain vs Belgium
Upcoming Quarterfinals
- Norway vs England
- Argentina vs Switzerland
After the four quarterfinals, the tournament will move to the semifinal round of competition, during which a maximum of four teams will remain in the running for football's most important prize. The eventual winners will then face off for a spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final, and the losing semifinalists will compete for third place.
Top Players to Watch in the Quarterfinals
The quarterfinal stage is where football's biggest stars are expected to deliver match-winning performances. With the margin for error becoming increasingly small, experienced players and emerging talents alike will play a crucial role in determining which teams progress to the semifinals.
Kylian Mbappé (France)
Mbappé has once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the world's finest footballers. His pace, finishing ability, and creativity have made him France's most dangerous attacking player throughout the tournament. After helping France secure a semifinal spot, all eyes will be on him as he prepares for another crucial knockout fixture.
Lamine Yamal (Spain)
Spain's young sensation has continued to impress with his fearless attacking play and technical brilliance. His ability to take on defenders and create scoring opportunities has added a new dimension to Spain's attack, making him one of the tournament's breakout stars.
Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)
Belgium's experienced midfielder remains the heartbeat of the team. His vision, passing accuracy, and leadership have been instrumental in guiding Belgium through the knockout stages. A strong performance against Spain could prove decisive.
Harry Kane (England)
England's captain continues to lead by example with his goal-scoring instincts and ability to influence important matches. Kane's experience in high-pressure situations makes him one of England's biggest hopes of reaching the semifinals.
Erling Haaland (Norway)
Norway's star striker has been a constant threat to opposition defenses. His physical strength, movement inside the penalty area, and clinical finishing make him one of the most dangerous forwards remaining in the competition.
Julián Álvarez (Argentina)
Argentina's attack has been powered by Julián Álvarez, whose intelligent movement and finishing have played a key role in the team's success. His partnership with Argentina's midfield has been one of the highlights of the tournament.
Road to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final
The quarterfinals have started, and the line-up to the championship is getting clearer. France have already qualified for the semifinals and will play against the winner of Spain vs Belgium.
The final two semi-finals will be between the winners of Norway vs England and Argentina vs Switzerland. Both teams are aware that two wins are all they need to become FIFA World Cup champions.
The semis will be expected to feature some of the best football in the tournament as tactical encounters, brilliance and competition are sure to be a feature of each game. The World Cup will be a spectacle of drama, memorable goals and moments that will go down in World Cup history.
On 19 July 2026, the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final will showcase the two teams competing to become the next champions in international football with the most coveted FIFA trophy. The tournament will have a third-place playoff first, where the third-place team will play the fourth-place team to decide third place.
Conclusion
The FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals have already produced thrilling football, emotional victories, and standout individual performances. France have become the first team to secure a place in the semifinals, while the remaining quarterfinal matches promise equally exciting contests as Spain, Belgium, England, Norway, Argentina, and Switzerland fight to keep their championship dreams alive.
With only a handful of matches remaining, every goal, save, and tactical decision could shape the destiny of the tournament. Fans across the world can expect high-intensity action as the competition moves closer to crowning the next FIFA World Cup champion.
