Last Eight Matches of the World Cup 2026: Fixtures, Road to the Finals and Preview

Out of the ninety-six games, its time for the final eight games of the FIFA World Cup 2026 (including the one for the third spot) remain. Only one out of the eight teams would eventually be crowned the winner for the next four years. These are the moments every qualified player has fought for. Right now, they stand two steps closer to their dreams, to achieve immortality in the history of World Cup, all for their dreams and national glory. Right now, there is no margin for error, no opportunity to recover after any poor performance and over these matches, it is either coming close to the very dreams and national glory; or a heartbreak.

France vs Morocco

The dream run of the Atlas Lions continue as they beat the home team Canada emphatically with a scoreline of 3-0. On the other hand, we have seen France who struggle with a 1-0 win against a physically dominant Paraguay where the emphasis was on rigid defence and even hard tackles. It is through the Round of 16, we came to know what the strengths of the underdog were and the weaknesses of the top dog.

Morocco’s defensive wing-flank of Mazraoui and Hakimi have frustrated every team in this tournament and would like to do the same to the French side. Meanwhile, France has the backing of a wall-like defense, a midfield that never runs out of breath and four of the best attackers with Dembele, Olise, Mbappe and Cherki. Also, a bench that could always be the starting 11 of any team. When pressure is high, it is players with such pedigree which always have an upper hand and France would be looking forward to prove that.

The winners of this match would face the winner of Spain vs Belgium in the semi-finals.

Spain vs Belgium

“Try and try until you succeed” has been the mantra for Belgium all this while as they decimated the United States 4-1 in their home to thump their way into the quarter finals. After a comeback by the Americans in the 31st minute by Tillman, De Keteleare scored his second goal for the day, followed by Vanaken and the veteran Romelu Lukaku. The Belgians relied heavily on counterattacks and slip ups by the Americans. Even against an opponent like USA, Belgium were comfortable with a 43% possession – something which is opposite in a score sheet.

Spain, on the other hand, were on level pegging terms with Portugal. However, a last-minute goal by Mikel Merino reduced the decibel levels of the stands in the World Cup as Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal were unfortunately knocked out 1-0.

This match would see two contrasting styles of play pitted against each other. It would be Belgium’s laidback approach which deals with more of defensive play and counter-attacking stances against Spain’s possession-based tiki-taka. Whoever wins this match, faces the winner of France vs Morocco.

Norway vs England

All eyes would be on Erling Haaland and Harry Kane as Norway and England power their way to the quarter-finals. With a disciplined rigour, high work rate and a Haaland brace, the Norwegians managed to surpass the mighty Brazilians by 2-1. On the other hand, Mexico – which hadn’t conceded a goal in the entire tournament, fell to the English side with a brace from Bellingham and Kane’s 7th goal in this World Cup. 

Norway have already proved how they are capable enough to fight against the giants and come out on top. The English side, on the other hand, have shown the quality of successive link-ups and discipline.

The winner of this match would face the winner of Argentina vs Switzerland.

Argentina vs Switzerland

The Egypt vs Argentina match was a thriller to match. Lionel Messi missed his penalty and Egypt gained a 2-0 lead. Egypt were actually looking forward to a monumental upset, but in the last fifteen minutes, the Argentine side fought back with three goals in quick succession to show why they have been the defending champions. Switzerland, on the other side, held the Colombians to a scoreless 120 minutes before edging past on the penalties with Ruben Vargas staying composed and slotting it home for the Swiss to the quarter finals.

While the Argentines enter as the favourites, the Swiss have already displayed why they shouldn’t be taken lightly and how they exploit the smallest of opportunities. If they keep their defense intact yet again, the story might not be over for Switzerland but if they manage to check past the mighty Argentine, they would be facing yet another behemoth in the winner of Norway vs England.

With the quarter finals confirmed, this is how the fixtures unfold for the World Cup 2026:

Quarter-finals

• France vs Morocco — 10 July, 1:30 AM IST 
• Spain vs Belgium — 11 July, 12:30 AM IST 
• Norway vs England — 12 July, 2:30 AM IST 
• Argentina vs Switzerland — 12 July, 6:30 AM IST 

Semi-finals

• Winner of France/Morocco vs Winner of Spain/Belgium — 15 July, 12:30 AM IST
• Winner of Norway/England vs Winner of Argentina/Switzerland — 16 July, 12:30 AM IST 

Third-place Playoff

• Semi-final Loser 1 vs Semi-final Loser 2 — 19 July, 2:30 AM IST 

Final

• Semi-final Winner 1 vs Semi-final Winner 2 — 20 July, 12:30 AM IST 

• Written by Shreyan Laha