2026 FIFA World Cup Quarter-finals

Four matches decide the semi-finalists. Hosted in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, and Kansas City in 2026.

Matches
4
Starts
Jul 9
Ends
Jul 11
Short
QF

The 2026 World Cup Quarter-finals, explained

The 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals are split across four host cities: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, and Kansas City. 4 matches across three days narrow the field from eight teams to four. Extra time and penalty shoot-outs apply.

Qualification rule

Winners advance to the Semi-finals.

Format

  • ·Single-elimination knockout — final four matches before the semi-finals.
  • ·Extra time and penalties if level after 90 minutes.
  • ·Winners advance to the Semi-finals; losers are eliminated.

Quarter-finals through recent World Cups

How the Quarter-finals has played out across the most recent FIFA World Cups.

EditionOutcome
2002Eight QF teams; winner Brazil
2006Eight QF teams; winner Italy
2010Eight QF teams; winner Spain
2014Eight QF teams; winner Germany
2018Eight QF teams; winner France
2022Eight QF teams; winner Argentina

Frequently Asked Questions

How many matches are in the World Cup 2026 Quarter-finals?

The Quarter-finals consists of 4 matches between 2026-07-09 and 2026-07-11 — an average of 1.3 matches per day.

What is the qualification rule for the Quarter-finals?

Winners advance to the Semi-finals.

When does the Quarter-finals start at the 2026 World Cup?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup Quarter-finals runs from Thursday, July 9 to Saturday, July 11, 2026.

Does Quarter-finals use extra time and penalties?

Yes. If the score is level after 90 minutes, two 15-minute halves of extra time are played. If still tied, the match is decided on penalty kicks.

Can I get Quarter-finals fixtures and live scores via API?

Yes. Filter the matches endpoint by stage (quarter-finals) or by date range (2026-07-09–2026-07-11) to get every Quarter-finals fixture, plus live scores, lineups, in-match events, xG, and odds during play.

How does the 2026 Quarter-finals compare to previous editions?

The 2026 Quarter-finals retains the same single-elimination format used in recent World Cups, but draws teams from the expanded 48-team field.

Get live Quarter-finals data via API

Scores, lineups, events, xG, and odds. 7-day free trial.