List of all nations qualified for quarter-finals of FIFA World Cup 2026

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Published at :July 8, 2026 at 4:43 AM

Modified at :July 8, 2026 at 4:43 AM

Who is Azzedine Ounahi? Morocco's hero vs Canada in FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16

(Courtesy : Getty)

Morocco became the first nation to qualify for the World Cup quarter-finals.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 is underway, with the best eight teams set to qualify for the quarter-finals. After 88 matches in the expanded 48-team edition in North America, the last 16 teams are facing off across four days, with the victors moving to the next stage.

Morocco became the first team to progress to the quarter-finals, with the Atlas Lions beating Canada 3-0 on July 3.

Several of the tournament favourites are still in contention for the remaining quarter-final spots. Brazil, Argentina, France, England, and Portugal are all favourites to progress to the last eight, but they will face tough competition from the challengers.

Also Read: Top five goal scorers at FIFA World Cup 2026

List of all nations in FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals

1. Morocco

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JULY 04: Ismael Saibari #11 (C) of Morocco reacts after sustaining an injury during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Canada and Morocco at Houston Stadium on July 04, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ryan Pierse - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) — HOUSTON, TEXAS – JULY 04: Ismael Saibari #11 (C) of Morocco reacts after sustaining an injury during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Canada and Morocco at Houston Stadium on July 04, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ryan Pierse – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

The Atlas Lions beat Canada 3-0 on July 4. The Canucks started the match on the front foot, but Azzedine Ounahi converted Achraf Hakimi’s free-kick to give the North African side the lead in the 50th minute. Ounahi doubled the lead in the 82nd minute, and Soufiane Rahimi added a third deep in stoppage time.

2. France

Kylian Mbappe of France FIFA World Cup 2026 — Kylian Mbappe of France (Courtesy: Getty)

France became the second team to qualify for the quarter-finals after a comfortable 1-0 win over Paraguay on July 4. Les Bleus dominated most of the match but were largely frustrated by the Paraguayan defence. The breakthrough came in the second half. Gustavo Gomez fouled Desire Doue in the box, and the referee awarded a penalty. Kylian Mbappe converted the spot kick, which proved to be the winner.

3. Norway

Erling Haaland Norway FIFA World Cup 2026 — Erling Haaland of Norway (Courtesy: Getty)

Norway sealed a shock 2-1 win over Brazil on July 5. After a goalless first half, Erling Haaland gave the Vikings the lead in the 79th minute. The Manchester City striker doubled the advantage in the 90th minute to guarantee the result for the Scandinavian side. Neymar scored a penalty deep in stoppage time, but it was little more than a consolation for the Selecao.

4. England

Harry Kane FIFA World Cup 2026 England — (Courtesy: Getty)

In a match that saw five goals and a red card, England came out with a 3-2 win against Mexico. The Three Lions are through to the quarter-finals and will now face Norway. Jude Bellingham scored a brace, while Harry Kane scored a penalty before conceding one himself late in the contest. Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez scored for El Tri, but it was in vain.

5. Spain

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JULY 06: Mikel Merino #6 of Spain celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Portugal and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 06, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) — ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JULY 06: Mikel Merino #6 of Spain celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Portugal and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 06, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

La Roja became the fifth side to qualify for the quarter-finals, with Mikel Merino scoring a late winner for the European champions. Portugal provided a stern test in what was a cagey affair, but the solo goal was enough for Spain to progress to the last eight for the first time in 16 years.

6. Belgium

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JULY 01: Youri Tielemans #8 of Belgium celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Belgium and Senegal at Seattle Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images) — SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JULY 01: Youri Tielemans #8 of Belgium celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Belgium and Senegal at Seattle Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Belgium sealed a thrilling 4-1 win over the USA to seal their place in the quarter-finals. Charles De Ketelaere had a match to remember, scoring twice, while Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku also found the back of the net.

7. Argentina

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JULY 03: Lisandro Martinez #6 of Argentina celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Argentina and Cabo Verde at Miami Stadium on July 03, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) — MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JULY 03: Lisandro Martinez #6 of Argentina celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Argentina and Cabo Verde at Miami Stadium on July 03, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The defending champions progressed to the quarter-finals in the most dramatic fashion, coming from two goals down to seal a 3-2 win over Egypt. Lionel Messi missed a penalty early in the match, but scored later in the 83rd minute. Cristian Romero also scored, while Enzo Fernandez netted the winner in the 93rd minute.

8. Switzerland

Rubén Vargas Switzerland v Canada: Group B - FIFA World Cup 2026 — VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – JUNE 24: Ruben Vargas #17 of Switzerland celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B match between Switzerland and Canada at BC Place Vancouver on June 24, 2026 in Vancouver, British Columbia. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

The Schweizer-Nati booked their place in the last eight with a dramatic penalty shootout win over Colombia. After the regulation period ended in a goalless draw, the match went to extra time, which also failed to produce any goals. In the ensuing penalty shootout, Davinson Sanchez and Manuel Akanji missed their respective spot-kicks, while Gregor Kobel denied Cucho Hernandez’s effort. Ruben Vargas scored to seal a 4-3 victory for the European side.

Which nations have qualified for FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals?

The first nation to qualify is Morocco. The other teams which qualified are France, Belgium, Norway, England, and Argentina.

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Sushruta Bhattacharjee

Sushruta has spent over two years covering football, with a particular focus on Indian and international competitions. Alongside football, he has reported on a variety of sports, bringing curiosity and perspective to every story. When he’s not following the action, he can usually be found binge-watching movies or getting lost in a good book.