World Cup 2026: Full quarter-final fixtures, key match-ups and Golden Boot race

The FIFA World Cup 2026 has reached its decisive phase, with the tournament now down to eight teams after an action-packed Round of 16. Defending champions Argentina remain in the hunt alongside European heavyweights France, England, Spain and Belgium, while Morocco, Norway and Switzerland continue their impressive campaigns. Four high-stakes quarter-final clashes now stand between the remaining contenders and a place in the semi-finals.

Heavyweights and underdogs set for defining battles

The expanded 48-team World Cup has been narrowed down to Argentina, France, Morocco, Spain, Belgium, England, Norway and Switzerland, promising a mix of historic rivalries, tactical contests and individual brilliance in the race for football's biggest prize.

France will face Morocco in a rematch of the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-final. Didier Deschamps' side edged Paraguay 1-0 in the Round of 16, with captain Kylian Mbappe converting a second-half penalty to secure qualification.

Morocco, meanwhile, produced one of the standout performances of the knockout stage, defeating co-hosts Canada 3-0. Under Mohamed Ouahbi, the Atlas Lions have become the first African nation to reach consecutive World Cup quarter-finals and will now look to avenge their semi-final defeat to France four years ago.

Spain's quarter-final against Belgium promises an intriguing clash of styles. Spain progressed after Mikel Merino scored a stoppage-time winner in a tense 1-0 victory over Portugal.

Belgium, however, arrive in confident form after a commanding 4-1 win over co-hosts the United States, with Charles De Ketelaere netting twice. Spain's possession-based football is expected to be tested by Belgium's pace and direct attacking approach.

England also face a stern challenge against Norway after surviving a dramatic Round of 16 encounter with Mexico. Despite playing much of the second half with 10 men following Jarell Quansah's red card, Thomas Tuchel's side claimed a 3-2 victory thanks to a Jude Bellingham brace.

Norway stunned five-time champions Brazil 2-1, with Erling Haaland scoring twice late in the match to complete a memorable comeback. The quarter-final is expected to feature an exciting duel between Haaland and England captain Harry Kane.

Defending champions Argentina will take on Switzerland in the final quarter-final after producing one of the tournament's biggest comebacks. Lionel Scaloni's men recovered from 2-0 down with 15 minutes remaining to defeat Egypt 3-2, despite Lionel Messi missing an early penalty.

Switzerland booked their place in the last eight by overcoming Colombia in a penalty shootout and have reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1954.

Golden Boot race intensifies as history is created

The battle for the Golden Boot is also gathering pace. Lionel Messi leads the scoring charts with eight goals, while Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland have seven each. Harry Kane has scored six goals, with Jude Bellingham, Ousmane Dembele, Ismael Saibari and Johan Manzambi also remaining in contention.

The tournament has also produced a historic first. According to FIFA, this is the first World Cup in which both Germany and Brazil have failed to reach the quarter-finals. While each nation has previously missed the last eight individually, they had never both been eliminated before the quarter-final stage in the same edition. FIFA also noted that there were no quarter-finals in the 1930, 1950, 1974, 1978 and 1982 tournaments.

(With inputs from ANI)