England reach World Cup 2026 quarter-finals as France, Spain and Argentina also advance

England have booked their spot in the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals, where they face Norway in one of four last-eight ties being played across the United States.

France, Spain and Argentina have also advanced to the quarter-final stage, with the draw throwing up the prospect of a blockbuster semi-final between some of the tournament’s heavyweights — provided each can navigate their respective opponents.

The 2026 edition is the largest World Cup in history, featuring 104 matches across the United States, Mexico and Canada — 40 more than the Qatar tournament in 2022. Mexico and Canada are each hosting 13 games, while the United States is staging 78. From the quarter-finals onwards, all remaining matches are held on US soil, with the final scheduled at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The tournament opened at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium, a venue steeped in World Cup history. It was the stage for Diego Maradona’s two most iconic moments against England at the 1986 edition, and has hosted two memorable finals: Brazil’s 4-1 victory over Italy in 1970 — sealed by Carlos Alberto’s celebrated team goal — and Argentina’s 3-2 win over West Germany in 1986, when Jorge Burruchaga struck an 84th-minute winner.

For Lionel Messi, this tournament is widely expected to be his final appearance on the World Cup stage as Argentina bid to defend the title they won in Qatar.