The quarterfinal lineup for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was sealed after a round of 16 that delivered two of the tournament’s biggest shocks. Norway, playing in their first World Cup since 1998, eliminated five-time champions Brazil in a historic encounter, while Switzerland edged Colombia in a penalty shootout to reach the last eight for the first time since 1954. Those results, combined with the expected progress of heavyweights France, Spain, England and Argentina, have set up four ties that will be played across the United States from Thursday to Saturday.

France and Morocco will open the quarterfinals in Foxborough, Massachusetts, in a rematch of the 2022 semi-final that the French won 2–0. Didier Deschamps’ side have been the tournament’s most dominant force, winning all five matches and scoring 14 goals, with Kylian Mbappé netting seven times. Morocco, the only African side left, have built on their historic run in Qatar by eliminating the Netherlands on penalties and then sweeping aside co-hosts Canada 3–0. The match has drawn attention for FIFA’s appointment of an all-Argentine officiating crew led by Facundo Tello, a decision that prompted questions in French football circles but was publicly accepted by Deschamps.

Spain face Belgium in Los Angeles on Friday in a meeting of two European sides with contrasting recent histories. Spain have not conceded a goal in five matches, a record streak for a single World Cup, and eliminated Portugal 1–0 with a stoppage-time goal. Belgium, whose golden generation is nearing its end, recovered from a two-goal deficit to beat Senegal in extra time before thrashing the United States 4–1. The Belgians will be without midfielder Amadou Onana, who suffered an ACL injury against the Americans.

Saturday’s double-header begins in Miami, where Norway and Erling Haaland take on England. The Norwegian striker, who has carried his club form into the tournament, will test an England defence that conceded twice against Mexico but prevailed 3–2 despite playing with ten men for over half an hour. England’s captain Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have scored ten of the team’s eleven goals. Later in Kansas City, defending champions Argentina meet Switzerland. Argentina have laboured through the knockout stage, needing a late winner to beat Egypt after a tense encounter with Cape Verde, but their resilience has kept them on course. Switzerland, who eliminated Colombia on penalties, are built on defensive organisation and will seek to frustrate Lionel Messi’s side.

European teams occupy six of the eight quarterfinal berths, matching the continent’s strongest representation at this stage in the 21st century. The winners will advance to the semifinals, with the final scheduled for 19 July at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.