After weeks of unforgettable goals, dramatic upsets and unforgettable performances, the FIFA World Cup 2026 has reached the quarter-finals. With France already through to the semi-finals after a dominant 2–0 victory over Morocco, seven nations remain in the hunt to lift the famous FIFA World Cup Trophy, with every remaining match carrying the weight of history.
Traditional football powerhouses like France, Spain, Argentina and England remain among the favourites, while Norway, Switzerland and Belgium continue their remarkable campaigns in pursuit of World Cup glory.
Whether you’re following your favourite nation, tracking the knockout bracket or simply looking for the latest FIFA World Cup 2026 schedules, here’s everything you need to know about the remaining fixtures, teams and biggest storylines heading into the business end of the tournament.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Knockout Stage Schedule 📅
Three blockbuster quarter-finals remain before the tournament builds towards the semi-finals, third-place play-off and the FIFA World Cup Final.
Quarter-Finals
| Match | AEST |
| ~~France 2–0 Morocco~~ ✅ | Fri 10 Jul, 6:00 AM AEST |
| Spain vs Belgium | Sat 11 Jul, 5:00 AM AEST |
| England vs Norway | Sun 12 Jul, 7:00 AM AEST |
| Argentina vs Switzerland | Sun 12 Jul, 11:00 AM AEST |
Every match is sudden death—win and advance, lose and head home.
Semi-Finals
| Match | AEST |
| France vs Winner QF2 (Spain or Belgium) | Wed 15 Jul, 5:00 AM AEST |
| Winner QF3 vs Winner QF4 | Thu 16 Jul, 5:00 AM AEST |
The final four nations will battle for a coveted place in football’s biggest match.
Third Place Play-Off
| Match | AEST |
| Semi-final losers | Sun 19 Jul, 7:00 AM AEST |
Although the World Cup title will be decided the following day, finishing third remains a significant achievement on football’s biggest stage.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Final 🏆
| Match | AEST |
| Winner SF1 vs Winner SF2 | Mon 20 Jul, 5:00 AM AEST |
The FIFA World Cup Final is the pinnacle of international football, watched by billions of fans around the globe. After more than a month of competition, only two nations will remain with the opportunity to lift the sport’s most prestigious trophy.
Teams Still Remaining in the FIFA World Cup 2026 🌍
The race for football’s biggest prize is down to just seven countries.
🇫🇷 France
France have arguably been the tournament’s standout side and are already through to the semi-finals after a commanding 2–0 win over Morocco, with goals from Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé. Combining one of the competition’s most dangerous attacks with impressive defensive stability, Les Bleus are the team many believe will lift the trophy.
🇦🇷 Argentina
The defending world champions continue their title defence with Lionel Messi leading another experienced and battle-tested squad. Argentina have once again shown their ability to win under pressure and remain one of the favourites to reach the Final.
🇪🇸 Spain
Spain have impressed throughout the tournament with disciplined defending, relentless pressing and exciting young talent. Their balance across the pitch makes them genuine title contenders.
🏴 England
England continue to combine youth and experience under Thomas Tuchel. With match winners across the field and plenty of depth, the Three Lions remain firmly in the championship conversation.
🇳🇴 Norway
One of the stories of the tournament, Norway have reached the quarter-finals for the first time and are playing with confidence. Led by Erling Haaland, they have already shown they can compete with football’s biggest nations.
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Switzerland have quietly pieced together another impressive World Cup campaign. Organised, disciplined and difficult to break down, the Swiss have once again demonstrated why they are one of Europe’s most consistent tournament teams.
🇧🇪 Belgium
Belgium’s experienced core has rediscovered its form at exactly the right time. Veterans Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku continue to lead a talented squad capable of causing problems for any opponent.
Quarter-Final Preview 🔥
✅ France 2–0 Morocco
France delivered a dominant performance to book their place in the semi-finals, with Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé on the scoresheet. Morocco fought with their trademark defensive discipline but were unable to contain one of the tournament’s most dangerous attacks. Les Bleus march on.
Spain vs Belgium 🇪🇸🇧🇪
Saturday, 11 July — 5:00 AM AEST
Spain’s exciting blend of experienced internationals and fearless young stars has made them one of the tournament’s most entertaining teams.
Belgium, meanwhile, continue to rely on the leadership of Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku as they look to extend one final golden generation run.
This clash promises quality, creativity and plenty of attacking football.
England vs Norway 🏴🇳🇴
Sunday, 12 July — 7:00 AM AEST
England have navigated a difficult path to the final eight, displaying composure in high-pressure knockout matches.
Standing in their way is Norway, whose historic campaign has been fuelled by the incredible finishing ability of Erling Haaland.
If Norway can create opportunities, Haaland has the ability to change the game with a single touch.
Argentina vs Switzerland 🇦🇷🇨🇭
Sunday, 12 July — 11:00 AM AEST
The defending champions continue their pursuit of consecutive World Cup titles.
Lionel Messi remains the heartbeat of Argentina, while Switzerland will rely on organisation, patience and defensive discipline in an attempt to frustrate one of football’s greatest teams.
It shapes as a fascinating tactical battle.
Players to Watch ⭐
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Even in the latter stages of his legendary career, Lionel Messi continues to influence matches with his vision, creativity and goal-scoring ability.
As Argentina chase back-to-back World Cup titles, Messi remains the player every opponent must stop.
Kylian Mbappé (France)
Mbappé has once again demonstrated why he is considered one of the world’s best players, already on the scoresheet in France’s quarter-final win over Morocco.
His pace, finishing and ability to deliver in big moments make France incredibly dangerous every time they attack.
Lamine Yamal (Spain)
Spain’s teenage sensation has become one of the breakout stars of the tournament.
His fearless dribbling, creativity and composure beyond his years have been instrumental in Spain’s run to the quarter-finals.
Jude Bellingham (England)
Bellingham continues to establish himself as one of the world’s elite midfielders.
His energy, leadership and ability to impact both ends of the pitch make him central to England’s hopes.
Harry Kane (England)
England’s captain continues to deliver on the biggest stage.
His movement, finishing and leadership give England one of the tournament’s most reliable goal scorers.
Erling Haaland (Norway)
Norway’s dream run has been driven by one of football’s most lethal strikers.
If Haaland gets chances, Norway always have an opportunity to produce another upset.
Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)
Belgium’s midfield maestro remains one of the finest passers in world football.
His vision and creativity can unlock even the strongest defences.
Gregor Kobel (Switzerland)
Switzerland’s goalkeeper has been outstanding throughout the tournament, producing crucial saves to help his nation reach the quarter-finals.
Another big performance could be the difference against Argentina.
Biggest Storylines Heading Into the Quarter-Finals 👀
Can France Go All the Way?
France have looked every bit the championship favourites and are already through to the last four.
With one of the deepest squads in international football and an attack capable of overwhelming any defence, Les Bleus are chasing another World Cup triumph.
Is This Lionel Messi’s Final World Cup Masterpiece?
Every appearance could be another chapter in one of football’s greatest careers.
Messi continues to inspire Argentina as they chase consecutive World Cup titles and another unforgettable piece of history.
Can England Finally End Decades of Hurt?
England possess one of the tournament’s strongest squads.
Supporters will be hoping this talented generation can finally bring the FIFA World Cup trophy back home for the first time since 1966.
Norway’s Fairytale Continues
No team has captured the imagination quite like Norway.
Their first-ever World Cup quarter-final appearance has already exceeded expectations, but with Erling Haaland leading the line, they won’t believe their journey is over.
Spain’s New Golden Generation
Spain have combined experienced leaders with exciting young talent to become one of the tournament’s most balanced teams.
Another strong performance could see them return to football’s biggest stage.
Can Belgium’s Veterans Roll Back the Clock?
Belgium’s experienced stars know opportunities like this don’t come around often.
With De Bruyne and Lukaku still capable of producing moments of brilliance, the Red Devils remain dangerous despite entering the quarter-finals as outsiders.
Golden Boot Race 🥇
With only a handful of matches remaining, the race to finish as the tournament’s leading goal scorer is heating up.
Several of football’s biggest names remain firmly in contention, and every knockout match presents another opportunity to climb the leaderboard.
As the pressure increases, expect the race for the Golden Boot to be just as exciting as the battle for the World Cup itself.
Why the FIFA World Cup Captivates the World 🌎
Few sporting events unite people quite like the FIFA World Cup.
Every four years, nations come together to celebrate the beautiful game, creating unforgettable moments that transcend borders, cultures and generations.
From dramatic penalty shootouts to last-minute winners and emerging superstars, the World Cup consistently delivers stories that become part of football history.
The closing stages of the 2026 tournament promise more unforgettable moments as the world’s best players compete for the ultimate prize.
Save the FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule 📅
With three quarter-finals, the semi-finals, third-place play-off and FIFA World Cup Final all still to come, now is the perfect time to lock the remaining fixtures into your calendar.
Seven nations remain, but by the end of the tournament, just one will be crowned FIFA World Cup 2026 champions.
Who will lift football’s greatest trophy? The road to glory continues.
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