All the Round of 16 matches have finally come to an end and we have the final World Cup 2026 brackets ready ahead of the quarterfinals. Only 8 of 48 teams have managed to hold a place in the FIFA knockout standings this year.
And the atmosphere surrounding the last two Round of 16 fixtures has never been greater before as Lionel Messi saved Argentina against Egypt in the dying minutes and Switzerland outlasted Colombia on penalties.
The tournament now moves to its most intense single elimination phase across the three host countries which are Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Let’s go through the latest update on the official World Cup standings and the matchups as a soccer fan and confirm if your favourites have reached the historic finals.
What are the Official World Cup 2026 Brackets for Quarterfinals?
For the remaining heavyweight nations, the knockout stage will be a mere warmup act if they want to keep their title hopes alive.
Here is the official bracket split for the remainder of the tournament. Four blockbuster single elimination games will create two highly anticipated semifinal paths.
1. Morocco vs France
The North African team is set to face the French in a huge tactical clash that will be like a rematch of the 2022 semifinal for both teams.
2. Belgium vs Spain
Next we have a beautiful tactical play-off between Spain's technical midfield and Belgium's clinical frontline.
3. Norway vs England
Norway vs England would be highlighted by Erling Haaland’s lethal form taking on a highly talented England team with Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.
4. Argentina vs Switzerland
Lionel Messi and his team are prepared to punch through a stubborn Swiss defense that survived a brutal penalty shootout.
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Complete FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarterfinals Schedule
Official details of the tournament state that the three quarterfinal matches will be played over three exciting days from July 9 to July 11, 2026.
If you are planning your viewing in advance then follow the game windows in the table below as per Indian Standard Time (IST). These times can also be changed to match your time zone.
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Date
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World Cup 2026 Matchup
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Venue
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Time (IST)
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Friday, July 10
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France vs Morocco
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Boston Stadium
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1:30 AM
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Saturday, July 11
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Spain vs Belgium
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Los Angeles Stadium
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12:30 AM
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Sunday, July 12
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Norway vs England
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Miami Stadium
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2:30 AM
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Sunday, July 12
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Argentina vs Switzerland
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Kansas City Stadium
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6:30 AM
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When will the World Cup 2026 Semifinals begin?
The stakes for the remaining teams on the board could not be higher. The winner of France and Morocco game will face the winner of Spain vs Belgium in the first semi-final.
The winners of both the matches will face off in the first semifinal on Wednesday, July 15 at 4:30 AM IST (venue- Dallas Stadium).
Across the other side of the World Cup standings either England or Norway will progress to meet the winners of Argentina v Switzerland.
The Norway vs England winner will take on either defending world champions Argentina or Switzerland, who made their first quarterfinal appearance since 1954, in the second semifinal on Thursday, July 16 at 4:30 AM IST (played at Atlanta Stadium).