World Cup 2026: Quarter-final fixtures, results and full tournament bracket

England’s route to the World Cup quarter-finals is set after a 3-2 victory over co-hosts Mexico in the last 16, setting up a blockbuster tie with Norway in Miami on Saturday at 10pm BST. The Three Lions will face a side that topped their group with a 100% record, while France will meet Morocco in Boston on Thursday at 9pm as the knockout stages gather pace in North America.

What has been decided so far

The round of 16 is complete except for two ties: USA vs Belgium and Spain vs Portugal, whose winners will meet in the quarter-finals. Tuesday’s final last-16 games pit Argentina against Egypt and Switzerland against Colombia, with the victors joining England, Norway, France and Morocco in the quarter-finals. All knockout matches from this stage onward will be played in the United States, culminating in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The tournament expanded to 104 matches across North America, an increase of 40 from Qatar 2022, with the group stage opening in Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium—the site of Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” and the 1986 final won by Argentina. Mexico and Canada will each stage 13 games, while the United States hosts 78, including every match from the quarter-finals onwards.

Why these ties matter now

Norway’s unbeaten group run and England’s resilience under pressure make their quarter-final a clash of contrasting styles. France’s meeting with Morocco, a side that topped its group with a 2-0 win over Spain, offers a rematch of the 2022 semi-final where the Atlas Lions pushed the eventual champions deep into extra time. The USA vs Belgium and Spain vs Portugal ties will determine whether either European giant faces a familiar rival in the next round.

The expanded format means more knockout drama, but the path to the final remains unforgiving. With Messi and Ronaldo likely to play their final World Cup, the stage is set for a summer of legacy moments—starting with Thursday’s quarter-final curtain-raiser in Boston.

The tactical landscape

The knockout phase rewards adaptability. Norway’s high pressing and direct transitions have overwhelmed opponents, while England’s backline has absorbed pressure to grind out results. France’s midfield control against Morocco will hinge on whether the Atlas Lions can disrupt their rhythm, while Belgium’s physicality could test Spain’s possession-heavy approach. The USA’s counter-attacking threat against Portugal may force a tactical shift from Fernando Santos’ side, who have relied on intricate build-up play.

In the standout tie, Argentina’s clinical finishing against Egypt will be tested by Switzerland’s disciplined defensive structure, while Colombia’s attacking flair could unsettle Colombia’s rigid system. The quarter-finals promise tactical chess matches as much as individual brilliance.

With the final just over two weeks away, the knockout stages are no longer a test of endurance but of precision. One mistake in Miami, Boston or beyond could end a campaign. The stage is set, the brackets are locked—and the margins have never been finer.