World Cup 2026 quarter-final dates and times set

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is moving into its quarter-final stage, with matches scheduled to occur between July 9 and July 11. This round represents the third direct elimination phase of the tournament, following the Round of 32 and the Round of 16. The schedule includes a break day on Wednesday, July 8, before the action resumes.

Spain secured their spot in the quarter-finals by overcoming Portugal in their Round of 16 fixture. The winners of these quarter-final matches will advance to the semi-finals, guaranteeing them a minimum of eight games played in the tournament. Their performance in the semi-finals will determine whether they compete for the championship title on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey or for third place the day before in Miami.

The article also offers a look back at the history of the World Cup, detailing the most successful nations. Brazil holds the record for the most titles, with five championships won in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002. Germany and Italy are close behind, each with four titles. Argentina ranks as the third most successful team, having won the tournament three times in 1978, 1986, and 2022. France and Uruguay have each won the World Cup twice, while England and Spain have each claimed the title once.