Amid controversy over Egypt’s FIFA controversy and VAR decisions, the World Cup quarterfinals have been decided, with eight teams advancing.
Published July 8, 2026
After a dramatic round of 16 that featured late comebacks, penalty shootouts and major upsets, the lineup for the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals is complete. France, Morocco, Norway, England, Spain, Belgium, Argentina and Switzerland have qualified for the final eight, with four massive quarterfinal matches scheduled to be played across the United States.
But off the pitch, the tournament continues to be shadowed by controversy, with FIFA facing fresh scrutiny over decisions involving the US team and interference from US President Donald Trump, with Egypt claiming refereeing bias after their loss to Argentina.
Here’s what we know:
Morocco (3-0 win over Canada) France (1-0 win over Paraguay) Norway (2-1 win over Brazil) England (3-2 win over Mexico) Spain (1-0 win over Portugal) Belgium (4-1 win over USA) Argentina (3-2 win over Egypt) Switzerland (4-3 win over Colombia on penalties)
What is the full match schedule for the World Cup quarterfinals?
France vs Morocco, Thursday 9 July, 4pm (20:00 GMT) – Boston Stadium, USA Friday, 10 July, noon (19:00 GMT) – Los Angeles Stadium, USA Norway vs England Saturday, 11 July, 5:00pm (21:00 GMT) – Miami Stadium, USA Argentina vs Switzerland Saturday, 11 July, 8:00pm (19:00 GMT Sunday) – Kansas City Stadium, USA
What other topics are being discussed?
Egypt claims match was match-fixed
FIFA is facing fresh scrutiny following Argentina’s controversial 3-2 come-from-behind victory over Egypt in the Round of 16 of the World Cup, a day after FIFA was criticized for overturning the suspension of US striker Folarin Balogun following intervention from US President Donald Trump.
Egypt’s defeat in Atlanta was overshadowed by a late VAR intervention that canceled out Pharaoh’s second goal and turned the tide before Argentina made a comeback and booked their place in the quarter-finals.
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has accused FIFA of giving preferential treatment to the defending champions and suggested officials were under pressure to keep Lionel Messi in the competition.
“Maybe they wanted Messi to continue playing,” Hassan told beIN Sports. “The world champions received support at every level.”
The controversy comes amid growing concerns about the integrity of the tournament’s referees after FIFA reversed Balogun’s controversial red card suspension following a public request from President Trump. Balogun returned when the United States lost to Belgium in the last 16, an episode that prompted criticism of potential political influence on soccer’s governing body.
Argentina fans wave Israeli flags at World Cup match
An Argentine fan was spotted waving an Israeli flag during his team’s Round of 16 match against Egypt, drawing attention amid broader political tensions surrounding the match.
Some observers saw the gesture as a possible provocation against Egyptian coach Hossam Hassan, who dedicated Egypt’s historic first World Cup finals victory to the people of the Gaza Strip.
Two members of the U.S. soccer team have been suspended by FIFA from Monday’s Round of 16 match against Belgium.
FIFA did not explain why it sanctioned team manager Sam Zapatka and United States Soccer Federation (USSF) vice president for security Frank Pannell.
The USSF did not provide a reason Tuesday, other than to say it had nothing to do with its successful efforts to have forward Folarin Balogun’s one-game red card suspension lifted.
