World Cup 2026 Quarterfinals: France, Argentina, Haaland and Messi's Race for the Golden Boot

World Cup 2026 Quarterfinal Schedule

Wednesday, July 8 is a rest day at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with no matches on the schedule. The tournament pauses after Argentina’s comeback win over Egypt and Switzerland’s penalty-shootout victory against Colombia closed out the Round of 16. Four quarterfinal ties begin Thursday and run through Saturday.

France vs. Morocco

Thursday, July 9 — 4 p.m. ET — Boston Stadium, Boston, MA

France swept Group I, outscoring opponents 10–2 across wins over Senegal, Iraq and Norway, before beating Sweden 3–0 in the round of 32 and edging Paraguay 1–0 in the round of 16. Kylian Mbappé leads the tournament with seven goals, just behind Lionel Messi, while Michael Olise’s five assists pace all players.

Morocco finished second in Group C, survived a penalty shootout against the Netherlands in the round of 32, then routed Canada 3–0 in the round of 16. B. Diaz’s four assists rank among the tournament’s best.

Spain vs. Belgium

Friday, July 10 — 3 p.m. ET — Los Angeles Stadium, Los Angeles, CA

Spain have not conceded a single goal at this World Cup. They won Group H with a scoreless draw against Cape Verde and shutout victories over Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, then blanked Austria 3–0 and Portugal 1–0 in the knockout rounds.

Belgium won Group G unbeaten, needed extra time to beat Senegal 3–2 in the round of 32, then routed the United States 4–1 in the round of 16. Leandro Trossard is among the tournament’s assist leaders.

Norway vs. England

Saturday, July 11 — 5 p.m. ET — Miami Stadium, Miami, FL

Norway finished second in Group I behind France, beat Ivory Coast 2–1 in the round of 32, then produced one of the tournament’s biggest upsets by stunning Brazil 2–1 in the round of 16. Erling Haaland’s seven goals — level with Mbappé — trail only Messi in the Golden Boot race.

England won Group L unbeaten, beat DR Congo 2–1 in the round of 32, then outlasted Mexico 3–2 in the round of 16. Captain Harry Kane has six goals, placing him among the tournament’s top scorers.

Argentina vs. Switzerland

Saturday, July 11 — 9 p.m. ET — Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, MO

Argentina swept Group J and beat Cape Verde 3–2 in extra time in the round of 32, before rallying from two goals down to defeat Egypt 3–2 in the round of 16 — a comeback that has become one of the defining moments of the tournament so far. They face a Switzerland side that edged Colombia on penalties to reach the last eight.