The Europe news cycle is firmly focused on football as the 2026 FIFA World Cup enters its quarterfinal stage. With the tournament now down to its final eight teams, fans across Europe, Ireland and beyond are tracking the biggest results, standout performers and the route to the semifinals.
After weeks of knockout drama, the expanded 48-team competition has shed 40 nations, leaving a quarterfinal lineup packed with heavyweights, surprise contenders and compelling regional rivalries. For readers following ireland news and irish news, this stage of the tournament also carries strong local interest, with several European sides still in contention.
Europe News: Which Teams Reached the World Cup Quarterfinals?
The quarterfinal field is now complete, and it features a strong European presence alongside two major non-European challengers. Here are the eight teams still alive in the tournament:
- Morocco – beat Canada 3-0
- France – beat Paraguay 1-0
- Norway – beat Brazil 2-1
- England – beat Mexico 3-2
- Spain – beat Portugal 1-0
- Belgium – beat the United States 4-1
- Argentina – beat Egypt 3-2
- Switzerland – advanced after a 4-3 penalty shootout win over Colombia
From a European perspective, the story is striking. France, Norway, England, Spain, Belgium and Switzerland have all advanced, underlining the continent’s continued depth in elite international football. Morocco’s run also remains one of the most compelling narratives of the competition, while Argentina continue to carry South American hopes.
Key takeaways from the last-16 results
- Europe dominates the final eight with six teams still in the tournament.
- Argentina survived a tense 3-2 battle to move on.
- Switzerland needed penalties, showing just how tight the knockout margins have become.
- Morocco’s convincing win keeps alive another major underdog story on the world stage.
Read more: latest Ireland breaking football news and major tournament coverage
Full World Cup Quarterfinal Schedule
Fans looking for fixture details can now map out the full last-eight schedule. All times below are listed in local stadium time, followed by GMT.
- France vs Morocco – Thursday, July 9, 4pm local (20:00 GMT), Boston Stadium, United States
- Spain vs Belgium – Friday, July 10, 12pm local (19:00 GMT), Los Angeles Stadium, United States
- Norway vs England – Saturday, July 11, 5pm local (21:00 GMT), Miami Stadium, United States
- Argentina vs Switzerland – Saturday, July 11, 8pm local (01:00 GMT Sunday), Kansas City Stadium, United States
For audiences following Europe news, the quarterfinal bracket offers several marquee matchups. France against Morocco blends recent tournament pedigree with another North African challenge, while Spain versus Belgium is one of the most technically intriguing ties of the round. Norway against England adds a strong northern European angle, and Argentina versus Switzerland could be one of the most tactically tense games of the weekend.
What stands out in the quarterfinal draw?
The biggest trend is the sheer concentration of European teams. That creates the real possibility of an all-European semifinal on one side of the bracket, while Argentina and Morocco will both aim to break that pattern. The draw also ensures that at least two European nations will definitely progress to the final four.
Explore more: best Irish sports media updates, live match reaction and Europe football analysis
How to Watch the World Cup Quarterfinals
Broadcast access depends on where you are watching from, but the official coverage options are clear.
United States viewing options
- English-language coverage: Fox and FS1
- Streaming: Fox One and the Fox Sports app
- Spanish-language coverage: Telemundo and Universo
- Spanish-language streaming: Peacock
- Other live TV streaming services: Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream
Canada viewing options
- English-language coverage: TSN
- Selected matches: CTV
- French-language coverage: RDS and RDS2
For Irish audiences searching through irish news and international football updates, local broadcasters and streaming schedules may vary, but the listed North American rights holders remain the main official sources connected to this stage of the tournament.
World Cup Quarterfinal FAQs
How many European teams are in the World Cup quarterfinals?
Six European teams have reached the quarterfinals: France, Norway, England, Spain, Belgium and Switzerland.
Which non-European teams are still in the tournament?
Morocco and Argentina are the only non-European teams left in the last eight.
When do the World Cup quarterfinals begin?
The quarterfinals begin on Thursday, July 9, with France facing Morocco in Boston.
What is the most high-profile quarterfinal?
Spain vs Belgium stands out on paper as one of the most balanced and technically strong ties, though France vs Morocco also carries major global interest.
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Why This Quarterfinal Stage Matters
This is the point where tournaments are often defined. One mistake can end a campaign, while one elite performance can reshape a nation’s football history. The 2026 World Cup quarterfinals already reflect the strength of European football, but they also leave room for Morocco and Argentina to challenge the established order.
For readers following Europe news, the main takeaway is clear: the final eight bring together proven contenders, dangerous outsiders and a schedule full of high-stakes football. As the road to the semifinals begins, every match now has the intensity of a final.
