World Cup 2026 quarterfinal schedule confirmed
Thursday, 9 July 2026: France v Morocco; Friday, 10 July: Spain v Belgium; Saturday, 11 July: Norway v England and Argentina v Switzerland.
Thursday, July 9, 2026
World Cup 2026 quarterfinal schedule confirmed — Thursday, July 9, 2026
Egypt FA criticises VAR decisions in Argentina loss; FIFA announces Justin Bieber co-headline for World Cup final halftime show; quarterfinal schedule details emerge with France vs Morocco on July 9. The 2026 World Cup has reached the quarterfinal stage, with Argentina and Switzerland advancing after dramatic knockout wins, while Egypt has accused FIFA of a 'fix' following their elimination and broader scrutiny continues over the expanded format and host‑nation exits.
Biggest developments
Egypt FA criticises VAR after dramatic World Cup defeat by Argentina
The Egyptian Football Association criticised refereeing decisions in Egypt's dramatic World Cup round-of-16 defeat by Argentina, saying it would not remain silent over what it described as the improper use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system.
Justin Bieber to co-headline Final Halftime Show with Madonna, Shakira and BTS
Justin Bieber will co-headline the World Cup final's half-time show with Madonna, Shakira and South Korean boy band BTS, FIFA has announced.
Bullish takes
- Argentina's dramatic comeback and Messi-led progression to the quarterfinals have reinforced their status as title contenders despite early tournament struggles.
- Switzerland's penalty shootout win over Colombia highlights their resilience and could position them as a dark‑horse candidate in the knockout stages.
- The expanded 48‑team format and high‑profile quarterfinal matchups are boosting global viewership and commercial interest in the 2026 World Cup.
Critical takes
- Egypt's accusations of a 'fix' against FIFA after their elimination raise governance and integrity concerns that could undermine tournament credibility.
- The early exits of co‑hosts USA and Mexico have dampened local enthusiasm and raised questions about the long‑term domestic impact of hosting the expanded World Cup.
- Reports of on‑ and off‑field incidents during the round of 16 underscore ongoing challenges around player conduct, officiating, and fan safety at the expanded tournament.
Why this matters
Quarterfinals begin imminently with high-profile matchups and ongoing officiating disputes shaping narratives.