Quarterfinal Bracket Complete After Switzerland Edges Colombia on Penalties
The 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal field was finalized on Tuesday evening as Switzerland defeated Colombia 4-3 in a penalty shootout following a scoreless draw in Vancouver. The Swiss advance to their first World Cup quarterfinal since 1954, while the result confirmed all four matchups for the knockout stage's final eight.
The quarterfinal round, spread across July 9-11 at four stadiums across the United States, features a compelling mix of traditional powerhouses and emerging forces. France enter as tournament favourites with +180 championship odds on ESPN BET, followed by Spain at +340 and defending champions Argentina at +450.
For Indian football fans following the tournament, this marks the deepest stage yet in an already historic World Cup. With matches spread across North American time zones, broadcast times on Fox Sports and streaming on Fox One mean late-night and early-morning viewing across India. The expanded 48-team format has delivered dramatic knockout matches — including Argentina's stunning comeback against Egypt — setting the stage for a blockbuster quarterfinal round.
Match 97: France vs Morocco — Thursday, July 9, Gillette Stadium, Boston
The opening quarterfinal pits the tournament's most complete side against Africa's most resilient team in a rematch of the 2022 World Cup semifinal. France have outscored opponents 14-2 across five matches, winning all five, and remain the overwhelming favourites to lift the trophy. Kylian Mbappé leads the Golden Boot race, while Ousmane Dembélé's hat-trick against Norway in the group stage underlined France's frightening attacking depth.
Morocco, meanwhile, have followed their historic 2022 semifinal run with another deep tournament showing. They drew 1-1 with Brazil in the group stage, beat the Netherlands 4-3 in a thriller, and dispatched Canada 3-0 in the round of 16. Ismael Saibari has scored three goals, while Brahim Díaz's four assists make him a constant threat. France are -175 favourites on the moneyline, with Morocco at +550, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
France boss Didier Deschamps takes charge of a record-equalling 25th World Cup match, while Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi has his side playing confident, attacking football. France are unbeaten in 12 competitive matches (W11, D1), winning the last seven. A win would make them only the third nation to reach three consecutive World Cup semifinals.
Match 98: Spain vs Belgium — Friday, July 10, SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
Spain enter as heavy -380 favourites to advance against Belgium (+280), having kept four consecutive clean sheets at this World Cup — a run that includes shutting out Portugal in the round of 16. La Roja are pursuing a record fifth straight knockout clean sheet and are the tournament's most defensively disciplined side. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has dazzled on the wing, while Rodri anchors the midfield with characteristic authority.
Belgium, now in a post-Golden Generation era, have defied expectations by reaching the quarterfinals. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice in a dominant 4-1 win over the USMNT in the round of 16, while Kevin De Bruyne continues to pull strings in midfield. The Red Devils are looking to reach their first World Cup semifinal since 2018. The match kicks off at 3 PM ET at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Match 99: Norway vs England — Saturday, July 11, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
Arguably the most anticipated quarterfinal features two of the tournament's most fearsome attacks. England (-230 favourites to advance) have reached their third straight World Cup quarterfinal — a feat the Three Lions last achieved between 1962 and 1970. Jude Bellingham's two-goal brace against Mexico in the round of 16, followed by Harry Kane's decisive penalty, demonstrated England's depth and composure under pressure.
Norway (+182 to advance) have captured the imagination of neutrals with a stunning run to their first-ever World Cup quarterfinal. Erling Haaland has scored seven goals in five matches, including a brace in Norway's 2-1 upset of Brazil in the round of 16. Haaland now has 62 goals in 54 international appearances. The Norwegian defence, anchored by Orjan Nyland in goal, has held firm against elite opposition.
The match pits Haaland against his Premier League rivals — Kane, Bellingham, and Declan Rice — in what promises to be an open, attacking contest at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. For Indian viewers, this match features several players well-known from the Premier League's massive following in India.
Match 100: Argentina vs Switzerland — Saturday, July 11, Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
Defending champions Argentina (-310 favourites) carry the momentum of one of the tournament's most dramatic moments into their quarterfinal against Switzerland. Trailing 2-0 against Egypt in the 78th minute of their round of 16 clash, Lionel Messi orchestrated a stunning 3-2 comeback with three goals in 13 minutes — perhaps the defining moment of his legendary World Cup career. Messi leads the Golden Boot race jointly with seven goals.
Switzerland (+240 to advance) reached their first World Cup quarterfinal since 1954 after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Colombia. The Swiss have been difficult to break down, conceding just three goals in regulation across five matches. Ruben Vargas's composed penalty conversion in the shootout epitomised Switzerland's resilience under coach Murat Yakin. This is also the first time Switzerland has won two consecutive knockout matches at a single World Cup.
Semifinal Projections and Key Dates
The winners advance to the semifinals on July 14-15: Match 97 winner (France/Morocco) faces Match 98 winner (Spain/Belgium) at AT&T Stadium in Dallas on Tuesday, July 14. Match 99 winner (Norway/England) plays Match 100 winner (Argentina/Switzerland) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 15. The third-place match is July 18 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, with the World Cup final on Sunday, July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Prediction markets overwhelmingly favour France, Spain, England and Argentina to advance. But this tournament has reminded everyone that the expanded format and deeper benches mean no quarterfinal is a foregone conclusion. The 2026 World Cup's quarterfinal weekend promises four matches worthy of the sport's biggest stage.
How to Watch the World Cup Quarterfinals from India
Indian viewers can stream the World Cup quarterfinals on Fox Sports via VPN services, with JioCinema and Sports18 expected to carry select matches. Kick-off times range from 1:30 AM IST (July 10) for France vs Morocco to 6:30 AM IST for Argentina vs Switzerland. The India football audience continues to grow, with the Premier League's popularity translating into significant World Cup viewership — particularly for matches involving England and star players like Haaland and Messi.
FAQ
When are the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals? The quarterfinals run from July 9 to July 11, 2026, with four matches across three days.
Which teams are in the World Cup quarterfinals? France, Morocco, Spain, Belgium, Norway, England, Argentina and Switzerland.
Where can I watch the World Cup quarterfinals in India? Matches are broadcast on Fox Sports internationally. Indian viewers can check Sports18, JioCinema or use VPN access to Fox streaming services.
Who is favourite to win the 2026 World Cup? France (+180) lead the odds, followed by Spain (+340), Argentina (+450) and England (+500) at ESPN BET.
Has any team won three consecutive World Cup semifinal appearances? Only Brazil and Germany have achieved this. France can become the third if they beat Morocco.
For related Voxlogue context, read World Cup 2026 Quarterfinal Lineup Takes Shape: Norway vs England and Morocco vs France Headline Final Eight.
