World Cup quarterfinals set as Egypt contests Argentina defeat
The last eight teams are set for the 2026 World Cup, while Egypt’s coach has accused FIFA of bias after a loss to Argentina.
By Daniel Okafor · Business Editor
3 min read
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached the quarterfinal stage, with eight teams left and four matches scheduled across the United States. Al Jazeera reported that the buildup has also been marked by disputes over officiating, including Egypt’s allegations after its round-of-16 defeat to Argentina.
France, Morocco, Norway, England, Spain, Belgium, Argentina and Switzerland have advanced, according to Al Jazeera. The quarterfinals begin Thursday and continue through Saturday, with the winners moving into the semifinals.
Quarterfinal schedule
- France vs Morocco: Thursday, July 9, 4pm local time (20:00 GMT), Boston Stadium
- Spain vs Belgium: Friday, July 10, noon local time (19:00 GMT), Los Angeles Stadium
- Norway vs England: Saturday, July 11, 5pm local time (21:00 GMT), Miami Stadium
- Argentina vs Switzerland: Saturday, July 11, 8pm local time (01:00 GMT Sunday), Kansas City Stadium
Al Jazeera reported that Morocco reached the last eight by beating Canada 3-0, while France advanced with a 1-0 win over Paraguay. Norway eliminated Brazil 2-1, England beat Mexico 3-2, Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 and Belgium beat the USA 4-1.
Argentina moved on with a 3-2 victory over Egypt, and Switzerland defeated Colombia 4-3 on penalties, according to Al Jazeera. The round of 16 included late comebacks, penalty shootouts and several results that reshaped the tournament bracket.
Egypt challenges Argentina result
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan accused FIFA of favoring Argentina after his team’s loss in Atlanta, Al Jazeera reported. Hassan told beIN Sports that officials may have wanted Lionel Messi to remain in the tournament and said the defending champions received support “at every level.”
Al Jazeera reported that a late VAR intervention against Egypt became the central flashpoint in the match. The ruling came before Argentina completed its comeback and secured a quarterfinal against Switzerland.
The dispute follows criticism of FIFA’s decision to rescind a one-game suspension for USA forward Folarin Balogun, according to Al Jazeera and The Associated Press. The suspension had followed a red card, and FIFA reversed it after a public request by US President Donald Trump, the report said.
Balogun returned for the USA’s round-of-16 match against Belgium, which the USA lost 4-1, Al Jazeera reported. The episode drew criticism from those concerned about possible political influence over football discipline.
Other incidents around the tournament
Al Jazeera also reported that an Argentina supporter waved an Israeli flag during the Egypt match. Some observers saw the gesture as a possible provocation toward Hassan, who had dedicated Egypt’s first World Cup knockout victory to the people of Gaza.
FIFA also suspended two members of the USA team staff for the Belgium match, according to Al Jazeera and The Associated Press. The governing body did not give a reason for disciplining team manager Sam Zapatka and US Soccer Federation Vice President of Security Frank Pannell.
The US Soccer Federation said Tuesday that the staff suspensions were not tied to the successful effort to overturn Balogun’s ban, according to the report. FIFA had not publicly explained the staff sanctions.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.