World Cup 2026: Eight Quarterfinalists Set After Argentina's Comeback

With two dramatic final Round of 16 matches concluded on Tuesday, July 7, the quarterfinal bracket for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is now complete. Wednesday, July 8 is a scheduled rest day before the last eight compete for a place in the semi-finals — four matches that promise to be among the most compelling in the tournament's history.

Messi's Argentina Stun Egypt 3-2

The evening's highlight was arguably one of the great World Cup comebacks of all time. Argentina found themselves 0-2 down against Egypt at Atlanta Stadium heading into the final ten minutes — a stunning scoreline given the reigning champions' pedigree. But Lionel Messi had other ideas.

With 11 minutes remaining, Messi provided the assist for Cristian Romero's towering header to make it 2-1. Four minutes later, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner latched onto a pass and scored himself to level at 2-2. And in the 92nd minute, Enzo Fernández sealed one of the most remarkable World Cup victories in recent memory, meeting a precise cross from Lautaro Martínez and guiding a powerful header into the top corner.

"We never stopped believing — that's Argentina," said midfielder Rodrigo De Paul after the match.

Switzerland Edge Colombia on Penalties

In the other Round of 16 match, Switzerland and Colombia played out a goalless 90 minutes of football, with Colombia enjoying greater possession and more chances but failing to convert. Extra time likewise produced no goals, sending the match to a penalty shootout — where the Swiss held their nerve to eliminate Colombia and secure a quarterfinal berth.

The Final Eight

The 2026 World Cup quarterfinal bracket is:

• France
• Morocco
• Norway
• England
• Spain
• Belgium
• Argentina
• Switzerland

The quarterfinals will be played across the United States in the coming days. Norway's presence in the last eight is a historic achievement for the Scandinavian nation, who have qualified for a World Cup for the first time in decades and are through to the quarterfinals in their debut tournament.

Egypt Controversy

Egypt's exit did not come without controversy. The Egyptian Football Association has lodged a formal complaint with FIFA over a refereeing decision in the 78th minute, when a potential Egyptian penalty appeal was waved off. FIFA has confirmed it is reviewing the submission.