2026 World Cup quarter-finals: Qualified countries, fixtures and results

As the 2026 World Cup enters its quarter-final stages, the eyes of the football world are on the eight nations that have made it to this point. Among them are Morocco, France, England, Norway, Portugal, Spain, the United States, Belgium, Argentina, and Egypt. But for teams like Norway, Egypt, and Belgium, the stakes are higher than ever. Their World Cup journeys are on the line, and a loss in the quarter-finals would mean an abrupt end to their dreams of lifting the trophy. The quarter-finals will be played across four venues from July 9 to July 11, with the winners advancing to the semifinals.

With the quarter-final lineup now complete, let's take a closer look at the numbers. Morocco, France, and England are among the top teams in the world, with France and England having consistently performed well in previous World Cups. Morocco, on the other hand, has been a dark horse in this tournament, with many predicting an early exit. The numbers, however, tell a different story. Morocco has shown resilience and skill, beating several top-ranked teams along the way. In comparison, Norway, who is facing England in the quarter-finals, has struggled to make an impact, with many questioning their World Cup credentials. The same can be said for Belgium, who faces the United States in the quarter-finals. Their performances have been inconsistent, and a loss in the quarter-finals would be a harsh reality check.

The 2026 World Cup has seen a rise of underdog teams, with Morocco, Norway, and Belgium making it to the quarter-finals. This trend is not new, however. In recent years, teams like Senegal, Tunisia, and Algeria have made surprise runs in the World Cup, beating top teams along the way. This trend speaks to the growing competitiveness of football worldwide, with teams from all over the world pushing the boundaries of what is possible. The 2026 World Cup is no exception, with the underdog teams showing that they are not to be underestimated.

As the quarter-finals approach, predictions are rife about who will make it to the semifinals. With the likes of France, England, and Morocco looking strong, it's difficult to predict an upset. However, football is a game of surprises, and anything can happen. In my opinion, Morocco has a good chance of beating France in the quarter-finals, given their resilience and skill. If they do make it to the semifinals, they will face a tough opponent, but it will be a fascinating matchup.

As the quarter-finals come to a close, the semifinals will be the next hurdle for the remaining teams. With the likes of France, England, and Morocco looking strong, it's going to be an exciting few days of football. The quarter-finals will be played across four venues from July 9 to July 11, with the winners advancing to the semifinals. The stakes are high, but one thing is certain: only the best will make it to the top.