World Cup 2026: Belgium ends the American dream and marches into the quarterfinals

06.07.26 FT World Cup

USA

1

:

Belgium

4

The 2026 World Cup, hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is in full swing, with six national teams now booking their spots in the quarterfinals.

Morocco, France, Norway, England, Spain, and Belgium have all punched their tickets to the world’s Top 8 after successfully clearing the round of 16 hurdle.

Meanwhile, Canada, Paraguay, Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, and the United States have seen their World Cup journeys end at this stage.

Morocco was the first to secure a place in the quarterfinals with a commanding victory over Canada.

France quickly followed suit, overpowering Paraguay to set up a blockbuster clash with the Atlas Lions in the next round.

Norway continued their remarkable run by knocking out Brazil (2-1) while England clinched qualification after a spectacular 3-2 win over Mexico.

In the Iberian showdown, Spain snatched qualification at Portugal’s expense, thanks to a dramatic stoppage-time winner from Mikel Merino (90+1’).

Finally, Belgium sealed their place in the quarterfinals in emphatic fashion, outclassing the United States with a resounding 4-1 victory.

2026 World Cup quarterfinal schedule

• Thursday, July 9, 2026 – 20:00 GMT

  Morocco × France

  Boston Stadium

• Friday, July 10, 2026 – 19:00 GMT

  Spain × Belgium

  Los Angeles Stadium

• Saturday, July 11, 2026 – 21:00 GMT

  Norway × England

  Miami Stadium

• Sunday, July 12, 2026 – 01:00 GMT

  Winner Argentina/Egypt × Winner Switzerland/Colombia

  Kansas City Stadium

"I leave with my head held high": C. Ronaldo reacts to Portugal's elimination

Mohamed Rek |

Editorfr, ar, en

Mohamed Rek- sports content writer with over 10 years of experience creating football content in Arabic and French for platforms such as Foot Africa and Starafrica, combining accuracy, creativity, and audience engagement.

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