World Cup 2026 Fixtures: Quarter-Final Schedule, UK Times and England’s Route

The 2026 World Cup has reached the last eight.

The first 48-team men’s World Cup delivered the scale FIFA wanted during its opening weeks. More nations, 12 groups, 104 matches, and the introduction of a new round of 32 made the tournament feel bigger than anything that came before.

Now, the picture is much sharper.

England are preparing to face Norway in the quarter-finals after surviving a remarkable 3-2 victory over Mexico with ten men. France are already through to the last four after beating Morocco, while Spain, Belgium, Argentina and Switzerland remain in the hunt.

The final takes place on Sunday, 19 July, in New York/New Jersey. Before then, there are three more quarter-finals, two semi-finals and the third-place play-off to come.

For wider tournament coverage, follow the latest Football News, check the World Cup 2026 TV schedule UK and track the leading scorers in our World Cup 2026 Golden Boot standings.

World Cup 2026 quarter-final schedule and UK kick-off times

All times below are UK time.

France became the first semi-finalist with a 2-0 victory over Morocco in Boston. Kylian Mbappé broke the deadlock after 60 minutes before Ousmane Dembélé doubled the lead six minutes later.

Spain and Belgium are contesting the second quarter-final in Los Angeles. England then meets Norway on Saturday night before Argentina faces Switzerland in the final tie early on Sunday morning.

For official fixtures, venues and match information, use the FIFA World Cup 2026 schedule.

England face Norway after surviving Mexico thriller

England are three wins away from becoming world champions.

Thomas Tuchel’s side reached the quarter-finals by beating Mexico 3-2 in one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament. Jude Bellingham scored twice in quick succession before Harry Kane converted a second-half penalty.

However, England were forced to survive the closing stages with ten men after Jarell Quansah was sent off. Mexico pulled the score back to 3-2, but Jordan Pickford made several important saves as England held on at the Azteca.

The result gave England their first victory at the famous Mexico City venue and secured a third consecutive World Cup quarter-final appearance. Read our full England vs Mexico match review and the five things we learned from England’s win.

The next test is very different.

Norway may not carry Brazil’s history, but they have already knocked the five-time champions out of this tournament. Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway beat Brazil 2-1 in the round of 16, taking his tournament tally to seven goals.

England will need to control Haaland’s service while also dealing with Martin Ødegaard’s movement and Norway’s threat from wide areas. Norway have grown in confidence throughout the tournament and are appearing in the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time.

England have selection concerns before Norway tie

England’s victory over Mexico came at a cost.

Quansah has received a two-match suspension following his red card and will therefore miss the quarter-final. He would also be unavailable for the semi-final should England progress.

Marc Guéhi is a serious doubt due to a hamstring strain, while Declan Rice has been dealing with an illness. Jordan Henderson will miss the remainder of the tournament after suffering a broken wrist while celebrating the victory over Mexico.

Reece James has returned to training, which gives Tuchel another option. However, England could still be forced to reshape their defence against one of the most dangerous centre-forwards in world football.

The concerns make the challenge more complicated, although England’s attacking players have delivered when required. Bellingham and Kane scored all three goals against Mexico, while Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon provided the width and energy that helped England build their lead.

When is England vs Norway?

Norway against England takes place on Saturday, 11 July.

The quarter-final kicks off at 10pm UK time at Miami Stadium. UK viewers can watch the match live on ITV1 and ITVX.

The 10pm start is more manageable than England’s 1am meeting with Mexico, although any extra time and penalties could still take the match deep into Saturday night.

England’s route to the World Cup final

England’s possible route to the final is now clear.

If they beat Norway, they will face either Argentina or Switzerland in Atlanta on Wednesday, 15 July. That semi-final kicks off at 8pm UK time.

Argentina remain one of the tournament favourites, although they needed a remarkable late comeback to beat Egypt in the round of 16. The defending champions trailed 2-0 before goals from Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernández secured a 3-2 victory.

Switzerland reached the last eight by defeating Colombia on penalties after a goalless draw. It is their first World Cup quarter-final appearance since 1954, although they will be without leading scorer Johan Manzambi against Argentina because of a knee injury.

Should England reach the final, they would meet one of France, Spain or Belgium.

France become the first semi-finalists

France are the first team to safely reach the last four.

Didier Deschamps’ side beat Morocco 2-0 after a patient performance in Boston. Morocco frustrated France during the first half, while Yassine Bounou saved a penalty from Mbappé.

However, the resistance ended after the break. Mbappé curled France into the lead before Dembélé added the second six minutes later.

France will face either Spain or Belgium in the first semi-final on Tuesday, 14 July. Both the first semi-final and England’s possible match the following night kick off at 8pm UK time.

Round-of-16 results

The round of 16 removed all three host nations from the tournament.

Morocco ended Canada’s run with a convincing 3-0 victory, while Belgium defeated the United States 4-1 in Seattle. England then knocked out Mexico after a five-goal thriller.

Norway produced the biggest shock by eliminating Brazil. Argentina survived an extraordinary scare against Egypt, and Switzerland reached the quarter-finals after a tense penalty shootout against Colombia.

FIFA’s match reports confirm Morocco’s 3-0 win, France’s 1-0 victory, Spain’s late winner against Portugal and Belgium’s emphatic success over the United States.

Semi-final and final schedule

The remaining tournament schedule is kinder to UK viewers than several of the earlier knockout matches.

Both semi-finals kick off at 8pm UK time. The final also begins at 8pm, while the third-place play-off starts at 10pm.

Scotland’s World Cup ended in the group stage

Scotland’s tournament began with hope after a 1-0 victory over Haiti.

However, defeats against Morocco and Brazil left them outside the qualifying places in Group C. The expanded format allowed eight third-placed teams to reach the round of 32, but Scotland’s points total and goal difference were not enough.

The narrow defeat against Morocco proved particularly damaging. It left Scotland needing a positive result against Brazil, but a 3-0 loss in Miami ended their campaign.

For a full explanation of the competition structure, read our guide to how the 48-team World Cup format works.

Why World Cup 2026 feels different

World Cup 2026 was always going to feel different.

The tournament expanded from 32 teams to 48, creating 12 groups and a new round of 32. The top two teams in each group qualified automatically, with the eight best third-placed sides completing the first knockout round.

That structure gave more nations a realistic chance of reaching the knockouts. It also extended the tournament, requiring the eventual champions to play eight matches rather than seven.

The group stage sometimes felt crowded, but the knockout rounds have brought the competition into focus. Every match now carries an immediate consequence.

Win and move closer to the final. Lose, and the tournament is over.

World Cup 2026 fixtures FAQ

What round is World Cup 2026 in now?

World Cup 2026 is in the quarter-final stage.

France have already reached the semi-finals. Spain, Belgium, Norway, England, Argentina and Switzerland are competing for the remaining three places.

Is England still in the World Cup?

Yes. England beat DR Congo in the round of 32 before defeating Mexico 3-2 in the last 16.

They now face Norway in the quarter-finals.

When is England’s next World Cup game?

England play Norway on Saturday, 11 July.

The match kicks off at 10pm UK time in Miami and will be shown live on ITV1 and ITVX.

Who will England face if they beat Norway?

England will face either Argentina or Switzerland in the semi-finals.

That match takes place in Atlanta on Wednesday, 15 July, with kick-off at 8pm UK time.

Is Scotland still in the World Cup?

No. Scotland were eliminated during the group stage after finishing behind Brazil and Morocco in Group C.

When are the World Cup semi-finals?

The semi-finals take place on Tuesday, 14 July, and Wednesday, 15 July.

Both matches kick off at 8pm UK time.

When is the World Cup 2026 final?

The final takes place on Sunday, 19 July, in New York/New Jersey.

It kicks off at 8pm UK time and will be the 104th and final match of the tournament.

Final thoughts

World Cup 2026 has reached the stage where reputations matter less than moments.

England showed character to survive against Mexico with ten men, but Norway offer a different type of danger. Haaland is in outstanding form, Ødegaard can control the rhythm, and the victory over Brazil has removed any sense that Norway should be viewed as outsiders merely enjoying the occasion.

France are already waiting in the semi-finals. Argentina remain alive after escaping with a draw against Egypt. Switzerland have made history, while Spain and Belgium are fighting for the right to continue their own campaigns.