The World Cup quarter-finals have been set, with eight teams qualifying, as Egypt’s FIFA and VAR decisions sparked controversy.
Published on July 8, 2026
the Football World Cup The quarter-final lineup was completed after an exciting round of 16 that witnessed a late comeback, penalty kicks and major upsets. France, Morocco, Norway, England, Spain, Belgium, Argentina and Switzerland have all secured their place in the quarter-finals, with four exciting quarter-final matches set to take place across the United States.
But off the field, the tournament remains clouded by controversy, with Egypt alleging referees were biased after their defeat to Argentina, and FIFA facing renewed scrutiny over decisions regarding the US team and the interference of US President Donald Trump.
Here’s what we know:
- Morocco (defeated Canada 3-0)
- France (defeated Paraguay 1-0)
- Norway (defeated Brazil 2-1)
- England (defeated Mexico 3-2)
- Spain (defeated Portugal 1-0)
- Belgium (defeated USA 4-1)
- Argentina (defeated Egypt 3-2)
- Switzerland (defeated Colombia 4-3 on penalties)
What is the full program for the World Cup quarter-final matches?
- France vs. Morocco on Thursday, July 9, 4pm (20:00 GMT) – Boston Stadium, USA
- Spain vs. Belgium on Friday, July 10 at noon (19:00 GMT) – Los Angeles Stadium, USA
- Norway vs England on Saturday, July 11, 5pm (21:00 GMT) – Miami Stadium, USA
- Argentina vs. Switzerland on Saturday, July 11, 8pm (01:00 GMT Sunday) – Kansas City Stadium, USA
What other topics are being discussed?
Egypt claims that the match was rigged
FIFA is facing renewed scrutiny after Argentina’s controversial 3-2 win Egypt in the World Cup Round of 16, just one day after the International Federation was criticized for overturning the suspension of American striker Folarin Balogun following the intervention of US President Donald Trump.
Defeat of Egypt In Atalanta, it was overshadowed by a late VAR intervention that disallowed the Pharaohs’ second goal, a decision that changed the momentum before Argentina completed their comeback to book a place in the quarter-finals.
Hossam Hassan, the coach of the Egyptian national team, accused FIFA of favoring the defending champion and indicated that officials were under pressure to keep Lionel Messi in the tournament.
“Maybe they wanted Messi to stay in the race,” Hassan told beIN Sports. “The world champions have received support at every level.”
The controversy comes amid growing concerns about the integrity of refereeing at the tournament after FIFA controversially overturned a red card suspension for Balogun following Trump’s public request. Although Balogun returned for the United States’ round-of-16 defeat to Belgium, the incident sparked criticism of possible political influence on soccer’s governing body.
An Argentine fan waves the Israeli flag at a World Cup match
An Argentine fan was seen waving the Israeli flag during his team’s Round of 16 match against Egypt, drawing attention amid broader political tensions surrounding the match.
Some observers viewed this gesture as a potential provocation towards Egypt’s coach Hossam Hassan, who dedicated Egypt’s historic first ever World Cup victory by knockout to the people of Gaza.
FIFA has suspended two members of the U.S. soccer team from Monday’s Round of 16 match against Belgium.
FIFA did not explain the reason for imposing discipline on team manager Sam Zapatka and US Federation Vice President for Security Affairs Frank Pannell.
The NFL did not provide a reason Tuesday other than to say it was not related to the successful effort to lift striker Folarin Balogun’s one-game red card suspension.
