World Cup 2026: Eight teams reach quarter-finals as fixtures confirmed

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is heading into its quarter-final stage, with North America's tournament seeing a strong European contingent in the final eight. Six of the quarter-finalists hail from Europe, with South America and Africa each contributing one team.

The Round of 16 delivered several dramatic upsets and close contests. Five-time champions Brazil were surprisingly eliminated after a late comeback victory by Norway, inspired by Erling Haaland's two goals. Co-hosts the United States, Mexico, and Canada also bowed out, along with Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

Defending champions Argentina navigated a tough Round of 16, coming from two goals down to defeat Egypt. Record semi-finalists Morocco continued their historic run, becoming the first African nation to reach consecutive World Cup quarter-finals with a dominant win over Canada. France, the runners-up from the previous tournament, narrowly defeated Paraguay, while England secured a tense 3-2 victory over Mexico despite playing with ten men.

Spain's advancement was secured with a last-gasp injury-time winner against Portugal. Belgium, after a slow start, showed impressive form by defeating the United States. The quarter-final matchups are set, featuring a highly anticipated rematch between France and Morocco, who met in the 2022 semi-finals. Spain will face another European opponent in the next round.