The World Cup quarter-finals are set, with eight teams advancing as Egypt’s rift with FIFA and VAR decisions spark debate.
Published July 8, 2026
The World Cup quarter-final squad has been finalized following a dramatic round of 16 that featured late comebacks, penalty shootouts and heavy defeats. France, Morocco, Norway, England, Spain, Belgium, Argentina and Switzerland have secured their places in the last eight, with four blockbuster quarter-finals taking place in the United States.
Off the field, however, the tournament remains marred by controversy, with Egypt alleging refereeing bias following its defeat to Argentina and FIFA facing renewed scrutiny of decisions involving the US team and interference from US President Donald Trump.
Here’s what we know:
- Morocco (won Canada 3-0)
- France (win over Paraguay 1-0)
- Norway (win over Brazil 2-1)
- England (beat Mexico 3-2)
- Spain (win over Portugal 1-0)
- Belgium (defeated USA 4-1)
- Argentina (win over Egypt 3-2)
- Switzerland (won Colombia 4-3 on penalties)
What is the full schedule for the World Cup quarter-finals?
- France – Morocco on Thursday, July 9, at 16:00 (20:00 GMT) – Boston Stadium, USA.
- Spain – Belgium on Friday, July 10, at noon (19:00 GMT) – Los Angeles Stadium, USA
- Norway – England on Saturday, July 11, at 17:00 (21:00 GMT) – Miami Stadium, USA.
- Argentina – Switzerland on Saturday, July 11, at 20:00 (01:00 GMT on Sunday) – Kansas City Stadium, USA
What other topics are being discussed?
Egypt claims match was rigged
FIFA came under new scrutiny following Argentina’s controversial 3-2 win over Egypt in the World Cup round of 16, just a day after the governing body came under criticism for overturning the ban of US striker Folarin Balogun following intervention by US President Donald Trump.
Egypt’s defeat in Atlanta was overshadowed by late VAR interference to deny the Pharaohs a second goal, a decision that changed the course of the match before Argentina completed their comeback to secure their place in the quarter-finals.
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan accused FIFA of backing the defending champions and suggested officials were under pressure to keep Lionel Messi in the tournament.
“Perhaps they wanted Messi to continue racing,” Hassan told beIN Sports. “The world champions received support at all levels.”
The controversy comes amid growing concerns about the integrity of the tournament’s refereeing after FIFA overturned Balogun’s red card ban following a public request from Trump. Although Balogun returned from the U.S.’s loss to Belgium in the round of 16, the episode sparked criticism over potential political influence on soccer’s governing body.
An Argentina fan waves the Israeli flag at a World Cup match
An Argentina fan was seen waving an Israeli flag during his team’s round of 16 match against Egypt, drawing attention amid wider political tensions surrounding the game.
Some observers saw the gesture as a possible provocation towards Egypt coach Hossam Hassan, who dedicated Egypt’s historic first-ever World Cup knockout victory to the people of Gaza.
Two members of the U.S. national team have been suspended by FIFA for their round of 16 match against Belgium on Monday.
FIFA has not explained why it disciplined team manager Sam Zapatka and USSF vice president of safety Frank Pannell.
The USSF did not give a reason Tuesday, other than to say it was unrelated to its successful efforts to overturn forward Folarin Balogun’s one-game red card suspension.