Quick Summary: The World Cup delivers its biggest Saturday yet on American soil, with England meeting Norway at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami at 5 p.m. ET and Argentina taking on Switzerland at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City at 9 p.m. ET, both on Fox. The winners join France and Spain, who punched their semifinal tickets earlier this week, France by dismantling Morocco 2-0 in Boston and Spain on Mikel Merino’s late strike in a 2-1 win over Belgium in Los Angeles. The first semifinal is already set: France against Spain at AT&T Stadium in Dallas on Tuesday, July 14. Tonight decides who meets in Atlanta on Wednesday for the other spot in the July 19 final at MetLife Stadium.
Where the Tournament Stands
The World Cup reaches its final four this weekend, and every remaining match will be played in an American stadium. France was first through, ending Morocco’s second consecutive deep run with a controlled 2-0 quarterfinal victory on Thursday. Spain followed on Friday night in Los Angeles, where Merino, the midfielder who has made a habit of decisive goals this tournament, struck late to beat a stubborn Belgium side 2-1. Belgium had arrived full of belief after eliminating the host United States 4-1 in the Round of 16, a result that ended the USMNT’s home World Cup dream in front of a stunned American crowd.
That American heartbreak reshaped the tournament’s stakes for domestic viewers, but it has not dampened them. With the semifinals in Dallas and Atlanta and the final in New Jersey, the business end of this World Cup is a fully American production, and Saturday’s doubleheader gives US fans two dramatically different stories to follow.
Tonight’s First Match: England vs. Norway, Miami, 5 p.m. ET
England arrives in Miami carrying the familiar weight of a nation that has not lifted the trophy since 1966. Standing in the way is the tournament’s great overachiever, Norway, playing in its first men’s World Cup knockout rounds since 1998 and led by strikers who have terrorized defenses all summer. The South Florida heat adds its own subplot: a 5 p.m. kickoff in July at Hard Rock Stadium tests both squads’ conditioning, and tournament organizers have faced questions about afternoon start times throughout a scorching American summer. England’s technical midfield against Norway’s direct, physical attack is the kind of stylistic collision that has defined the best matches of this World Cup.
Tonight’s Second Match: Argentina vs. Switzerland, Kansas City, 9 p.m. ET
The nightcap at Arrowhead Stadium carries even more history. Argentina, the defending champion from Qatar 2022, is attempting to become the first nation to win back to back World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962. Switzerland, meticulous and unglamorous, has quietly built one of the most disciplined defensive records in the tournament and thrives in exactly this underdog role. Arrowhead, one of the loudest venues in American sports, is expected to lean heavily Argentine, with tens of thousands of albiceleste shirts having followed the champions through every US host city this summer.
Why This World Cup Matters for America
The 2026 tournament, spread across the United States, Mexico and Canada, is the largest World Cup ever staged, the first with 48 teams, and a dress rehearsal for America’s growing ambitions in global soccer. Host cities have reported enormous economic activity, and Fox’s broadcast numbers have climbed round by round even after the US elimination. For Miami, Kansas City, Dallas, Atlanta and the New York area, this final week is the payoff for years of stadium upgrades and planning. The final on Sunday, July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is expected to be among the most watched sporting events ever held on US soil.
The Road Ahead
The bracket is now brutally simple. Tuesday, July 14: France vs. Spain at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, a heavyweight semifinal between the 2018 champion and the reigning European champion, both kicking off at 3 p.m. ET. Wednesday, July 15: tonight’s two winners meet at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The winners advance to MetLife on July 19; the losers play the third place match. Every remaining game airs on Fox in English and Telemundo in Spanish.
Key Numbers
Teams that started the tournament: 48, the most in World Cup history. Semifinal spots already claimed: 2 (France, Spain). Years since England’s only title: 60. Nations that have repeated as champions: none since Brazil in 1962. Norway’s last men’s knockout appearance before 2026: 1998. Combined capacity of tonight’s two venues: roughly 141,000 seats. Days until the final: 8.
FAQ
What time are the World Cup quarterfinals today? England vs. Norway kicks off at 5 p.m. ET at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, and Argentina vs. Switzerland follows at 9 p.m. ET at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
What channel is the World Cup on tonight? Both quarterfinals air on Fox in English, with Spanish language coverage on Telemundo.
Who is already in the World Cup semifinals? France and Spain. They meet Tuesday, July 14 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. Tonight’s winners meet Wednesday, July 15 in Atlanta.
Is the United States still in the World Cup? No. The USMNT was eliminated by Belgium, 4-1, in the Round of 16 on July 6. Belgium was then beaten by Spain in the quarterfinals.
Where and when is the 2026 World Cup final? Sunday, July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Editorial Note: This article was prepared using publicly available information from international news organizations and official sources available at the time of publication. Facts may be updated as authorities release new information.
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