The 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals are set to determine the four teams that will advance to the semifinals after an intense tournament featuring 96 matches over 27 days. The remaining eight teams will face off in four high-stakes matches that promise a mix of familiar rivalries and breakthrough appearances.

One of the quarterfinal highlights was the match between France and Morocco on July 9, which was widely regarded as the tournament’s most captivating contest. The other three quarterfinal games scheduled for July 10 and 11 include England versus Norway, Argentina against Switzerland, and Spain facing Belgium.

England will take on Norway in Miami on July 11, marking Norway’s first quarterfinal appearance in nearly three decades. Norway’s squad heavily features Premier League talent, including striker Erling Haaland, who has been a standout performer throughout the tournament. England’s defense may benefit from the presence of players who recently competed alongside Haaland for Manchester City: Marc Guehi, John Stones, and Nico O'Reilly. However, Norway’s attacking threat extends beyond Haaland, with additional Premier League players such as Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard, Fulham’s Sander Berge, and Fulham winger Oscar Bobb contributing to their strong campaign. England will likely dominate possession but must remain vigilant against Norway’s potent counterattacks. The encounter is expected to be tightly contested, possibly decided by a few critical moments.

Also on July 11, defending champions Argentina will face Switzerland in a match that presents a step up in difficulty following Argentina’s dramatic victories against Cape Verde and Egypt. Switzerland boasts a roster rich in experience from Europe’s top leagues and has a history of eliminating strong teams, including France and Italy in previous tournaments. The Swiss defense aims to contain Argentina’s star Lionel Messi, who has been instrumental to Argentina’s success. Switzerland’s offensive chances may hinge on the form of forward Breel Embolo and the potential return of Johan Manzambi, who could provide an additional attacking threat.

On July 10, Spain will meet Belgium in a game that pits Spain’s resolute defense against Belgium’s recent offensive resurgence. Spain has yet to concede a goal at this World Cup, leveraging their ability to control possession and dictate the tempo. Although young winger Lamine Yamal entered the tournament below full fitness, his presence has been vital in drawing defenders and creating space. Mikel Oyarzabal leads Spain’s scoring efforts with four goals, but the team seeks greater offensive contributions from Yamal and injured winger Nico Williams. Belgium has scored 12 goals in its last three matches and benefited from a more athletic lineup in the Round of 16. However, the loss of midfielder Amadou Onana to an ACL injury complicates coach Rudy Garcia’s selection choices. Key decisions include whether to reinstate Kevin De Bruyne, who missed the previous match, and how to balance the attacking options of Jeremy Doku and Romelu Lukaku. This match is expected to be low-scoring, with the possibility of extra time influencing tactical substitutions.

As the tournament reaches this critical phase, each matchup offers distinctive challenges and storylines. The winners of these quarterfinal contests will move on to the World Cup semifinals, while the defeated teams' campaigns will come to an end after a competition marked by drama and unexpected results.