The 2026 World Cup knockout stages are intensifying, with England having successfully booked their place in the quarter-finals. A hard-fought 3-2 victory against co-hosts Mexico on Sunday night has propelled the Three Lions into the next round, where they are set to face Norway in Miami. This highly anticipated encounter is scheduled for Saturday at 10 pm BST.
Another significant quarter-final fixture already confirmed will see France take on Morocco. This match is slated for Thursday at 9 pm in Boston, promising an intriguing contest between two strong contenders. These matches mark the beginning of the deeper knockout phase, where the stakes are considerably higher for the competing nations.
This edition of the World Cup, hosted across North America, is the largest to date, featuring a total of 104 matches. This represents a substantial increase of 40 games compared to the 2022 tournament held in Qatar. The extensive schedule provides numerous opportunities for fans to witness some of football's biggest stars, with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo potentially making their final appearances on this global stage.
The tournament commenced at Mexico City's historic Azteca Stadium, a venue renowned for its rich World Cup history, including Diego Maradona's memorable and controversial goals against England in 1986. The Azteca also hosted two iconic World Cup finals: Brazil's 4-1 triumph over Italy in 1970 and Argentina's 3-2 victory against West Germany in 1986.
Regarding host responsibilities, Mexico and Canada are each staging 13 matches, while the vast majority of games, 78 in total, are being played in the United States. From the quarter-finals onwards, the USA will be the sole host nation for all remaining fixtures, culminating in the final held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. As the competition progresses, the focus will increasingly shift towards who will ultimately lift the coveted trophy.
The group stage saw various teams navigate their way through tough challenges to reach the knockout rounds, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the tournament. Football enthusiasts across the globe are keenly watching as the contenders vie for supremacy in North America.