- This piece SportPesa Blog Kenya take a look at the 2026 World Cup quarter-final pairings, kickoff times, how to watch, and best bets.
- The last-eight clashes will kick off from Thursday, July 9, to Sunday, July 12, across different venues in the United States.
- France, Morocco, Spain, Belgium, Norway, England, Argentina, and Switzerland are the last eight nations still standing.
The FIFA 2026 World Cup has now reached the thrilling quarter-finals after some entertaining and surprising Round of 16 fixtures across Canada, the USA, and Mexico.
France, Morocco, Spain, Belgium, Norway, England, Argentina, and Switzerland are the last eight nations still standing from the 48 teams that kicked off the tournament in North America, all hoping to claim, reclaim, or defend the prestigious silverware.
The Round of 16 delivered several surprises, including the elimination of all three co-host nations from the competition.
In addition, Africa had nine of its 10 representatives progress to the knockout stage, but only two nations reached the Round of 16.
Now, just like in 2022, Morocco are the continent’’s only remaining representatives.
The Round of 16 also saw one of football’s greatest legends play his final World Cup match.
Cristiano Ronaldo bowed out of the competition following Portugal’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Spain, ending his World Cup career with 11 goals in 27 matches across six tournaments.
The Round of 16 marked the final matches outside the USA, and now all remaining games are exclusively set for American soil.
All attention turns to the last eight, where the teams will battle for a semifinal spot and eventually a place in the final on Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
2026 World Cup Quarter-Finals
In this piece, SportPesa Blog Kenya takes a look at the quarter-final fixtures, schedule, kickoff times, venues, and where to bet.
France vs Morocco
This will be the opening quarter-final of the 2026 World Cup as the two sides lock horns on Thursday, July 9, at Boston Stadium from 11pm East Africa Time.
France have lived up to their billing as World Cup favourites, cruising through the group stage before brushing aside Sweden and edging past Paraguay 1-0 in the Round of 16 thanks to a penalty in a fiercely contested encounter.
ALSO READ: France vs Morocco prediction: World Cup Quarterfinal preview, team news, lineups & h2h
It is difficult to see any team keeping Didier Deschamps’ men quiet given their wealth of attacking talent, including Kylian Mbappe, who has scored seven goals to lead the Golden Boot race.
Ousmane Dembele has four goals, while Bradley Barcola and the ever-creative Michael Olise continue to shine.
But unbeaten Morocco will not be intimidated by the two-time world champions after knocking out the Netherlands on penalties before dismantling co-hosts Canada 3-0 in the Round of 16.
The North Africans will have revenge on their minds in Boston after losing to France in the semi-finals four years ago in Qatar.
The Atlas Lions made history by becoming the first African nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals in 2022 and will be eager to replicate that achievement under the leadership of captain Achraf Hakimi.
Spain vs Belgium
Friday promises another blockbuster clash as the winners of France vs Morocco will face either Spain or Belgium, who meet at SoFi Stadium from 10pm East Africa Time.
By beating Portugal 1-0 on Monday, Spain became the first team in World Cup history to register six consecutive clean sheets.
ALSO READ: Spain vs Belgium prediction: World Cup 2026 quarterfinal preview, team news, key stats & h2h
Luis de la Fuente’s European champions may not always dazzle, but they are remarkably efficient and composed in possession.
Belgium head into the showdown in Los Angeles on the back of a commanding 4-1 victory over co-hosts the United States despite the pressure that surrounded them before the game.
That result followed their remarkable comeback from two goals down to beat Senegal 3-2 after extra time in the last 32.
Norway vs England
On Sunday, surprise package Norway, who stunned five-time champions Brazil, will face England in the early hours of the morning at 12am at Miami Stadium.
England’s defenders are used to facing Norway goal machine Erling Haaland in the Premier League, but stopping him is an entirely different challenge.
Thomas Tuchel’s men arrived in the United States among the favourites to win the tournament for only the second time in their history.
ALSO READ: England vs Croatia: Kane equals England’s scoring record in World Cup opening win over Croatia
Captain Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have been England’s standout performers so far, scoring 10 of the team’s 11 goals, including all three in a gripping 3-2 victory over Mexico.
Reduced to 10 men, England had to dig deep to eliminate the co-hosts, a result that will give them plenty of confidence heading into their meeting with Norway.
However, they will come up against a side inspired by the unstoppable Haaland, who has already scored seven goals as he continues his pursuit of the Golden Boot.
The Manchester City striker has found the net in each of his last 14 competitive appearances for Norway, scoring 27 goals during that run, and is certain to test England’s vulnerable defence.
ALSO READ: Norway vs England prediction: World Cup 2026 quarterfinal preview, team news, current form & h2h
Argentina vs Switzerland
Later on Sunday, the final semi-finalists will be decided as reigning champions Argentina, fresh from a dramatic comeback victory over Egypt, take on Switzerland from 4am East Africa Time at Kansas City Stadium.
Lionel Messi’s Argentina have survived two major scares to reach the quarter-finals.
The defending champions were pushed to extra time by World Cup debutants Cape Verde before eventually prevailing 3-2.
Then, in the Round of 16, they looked destined for elimination after falling 2-0 behind against Egypt before producing a stunning comeback, with Messi at the heart of everything.
They now face Switzerland in Kansas City after the Swiss edged Colombia on penalties in Vancouver following a goalless draw.
Switzerland, who have reached the last eight for the first time since hosting the tournament in 1954, are a disciplined side and will be difficult to break down.
Where to Watch the 2026 World Cup Quarter-finals in Kenya and Africa
Football fans across Kenya and the rest of Africa can watch all the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final matches through official broadcast partners.
In Kenya, Azam TV and SuperSport will air every match live on television and via their digital streaming platforms.
Fans looking for free-to-air coverage can also watch selected matches on KBC through its partnership with New World TV and SportyTV.
Across Sub-Saharan Africa, broadcasters including SuperSport, New World TV, Azam TV, and StarTimes will provide live coverage, depending on the country.
In North Africa and the Middle East, beIN Sports remains the primary broadcaster, while Morocco’s state broadcaster SNRT will televise the Atlas Lions’ matches for local viewers.
Fans can also stay up to date with live scores, match statistics, results, and real-time updates on SportPesa Score, ensuring they don’t miss any of the quarter-final action.
Want the winning edge before kickoff? Follow SportPesa Blog Kenya on Google News to get all our upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup match predictions and expert previews delivered straight to your feed!
2026 World Cup quarter-final pairings, dates, kickoff times, and venues
NOTE- Time on EAST AFRICA TIME (EAT)
- Thursday, July 9 – France vs Morocco – Boston Stadium – 11pm EAT
- Friday, July 10 – Spain vs Belgium – SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles – 10pm EAT
- Sunday, July 12 – Norway vs England – Miami Stadium – 12am EAT (Midnight)
- Sunday, July 12 – Argentina vs Switzerland – Kansas City Stadium – 4am EAT
Read more about other World Cup teams in 2026 below:
Morocco national football team 2026
Argentina national football team 2026
Mexico national football team 2026
Spain national football team 2026
Brazil national football team 2026
France national football team 2026
Senegal national football team 2026