World Cup 2026 sees first day without matches before quarterfinals

After 27 consecutive days of competition, the 2026 World Cup will experience its first rest day on Wednesday, July 8, before the quarterfinals begin. The tournament, which started on June 11, has seen 96 matches so far, with only eight remaining: four quarterfinals, two semifinals, a third-place match, and the final Source: lavozar. This unprecedented schedule is due to the expanded format of 48 teams and 104 total matches Source: lavozar.

Rest day

The break allows the eight quarterfinalists to recover and prepare for the decisive knockout stage. The FIFA calendar intentionally included this pause after the round of 16 Source: heraldomx.

Quarterfinal schedule

Action resumes on Thursday, July 9, with France facing Morocco at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough at 14:00 Central Mexico time Source: heraldomx. Other matchups include:

• Spain vs. Belgium – Friday, July 10, 13:00, SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles Source: heraldomx
• Norway vs. England – Saturday, July 11, 15:00, Miami Stadium Source: heraldomx
• Argentina vs. Switzerland – Saturday, July 11, 19:00, Kansas City Stadium Source: heraldomx

Each match is elimination, and winners advance to the semifinals on July 14 and 15. The final is scheduled for July 19 Source: heraldomx.