How does the FIFA World Cup quarterfinal round work? What to know

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached its quarterfinal stage, with eight teams standing on the cusp of glory. Each nation is now just three victories away from claiming football’s ultimate prize, and every match remaining is a do-or-die contest.

The final nations in the tournament include defending-champion Argentina, Belgium, England, France, Morocco, Norway, Spain and Switzerland. During the next three days, these soccer powerhouse teams will battle for a place in the semifinals, which are set to kick off on Wednesday, July 14.

The quarterfinal round consists of four winner-take-all matches, following the same knockout format as the previous two rounds.

If any quarterfinal match ends in a draw after 90 minutes of regulation time, teams will play an additional 30 minutes of extra time, divided into two 15-minute halves. Should the deadlock persist, the outcome will be decided by a penalty shootout that will determine which nation advances.

This sudden-death structure will continue through to the final, scheduled for July 19.

Teams in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals

Here are the teams that have advanced to the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals:

Morocco

France

Norway

England

Spain

Belgium

Argentina

Switzerland

2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals schedule

Thursday, July 9:

France vs. Morocco, 4 p.m. ET in Foxborough, Massachusetts

Friday, July 10:

Spain vs. Belgium, noon local / 3 p.m. ET in Inglewood, California

Saturday, July 11:

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