The 2026 FIFA World Cup Quarterfinals: Head-to-Head History
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached its most exciting stage. Only eight teams remain, and every match is now a final in itself. The quarterfinals will feature four blockbuster clashes: France vs. Morocco, Spain vs. Belgium, Norway vs. England, and Argentina vs. Switzerland.
Most of these matchups come with significant history. Some are rematches of memorable World Cup encounters, while others revive long-standing rivalries in international football.
Spain vs. Belgium
This is one of the richest rivalries among the quarterfinalists. Spain and Belgium have met 23 times, with La Roja holding the edge thanks to 12 victories, compared to six for the Red Devils, along with five draws.
However, the most memorable meeting belongs to Belgium. In the quarterfinals of the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, the Belgians stunned Spain in a dramatic penalty shootout at Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla after a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes. That Belgian generation went on to reach the semifinals, achieving the country's best World Cup finish at the time.
The two nations met again during the group stage of the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy, where Spain claimed a 2-1 victory. Now, nearly four decades after that heartbreaking elimination, Spain has another opportunity to settle the score and book a place in the semifinals.
Norway vs. England
Although they have never faced each other in a FIFA World Cup, Norway and England have produced several memorable encounters.
The overall record favors the Three Lions, who have won seven of their 12 meetings, while Norway has earned two victories, with three matches ending in draws.
Norway's most famous victory came during the qualifiers for the 1994 FIFA World Cup, when the Scandinavians defeated England 2-0. In that same qualifying campaign, they also earned a draw at Wembley, results that proved crucial in securing a historic World Cup berth.
Since then, however, the balance has shifted. Norway has failed to defeat England in their last four meetings, with the English recording two wins and two draws. The Vikings now have the chance to end that streak on football's biggest stage.
Argentina vs. Switzerland
History strongly favors the reigning world champions. Argentina and Switzerland have met seven times, with the South Americans remaining unbeaten, posting five victories and two draws.
Their most recent meeting came in the Round of 16 at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, one of the tournament's most dramatic matches. Argentina struggled throughout the contest before Lionel Messi produced a moment of brilliance in the 118th minute, setting up Ángel Di María for the winning goal.
Despite the defeat, Switzerland came agonizingly close to forcing penalties. In the final seconds of extra time, Blerim Džemaili struck the post with a header that could have changed history. Twelve years later, the Swiss will have another opportunity to seek revenge against the defending champions.
France vs. Morocco
Although this rivalry is not as extensive, its most recent chapter made it one of the most compelling matchups in international football.
France and Morocco have met six times, with Les Bleus winning four matches, Morocco claiming one victory, and one game ending in a draw.
Their most significant encounter came in the semifinals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, when France earned a 2-0 victory to advance to the final. Despite the loss, Morocco delivered a remarkable performance and became the first African nation ever to reach a World Cup semifinal.
Now, history offers another chapter. The Atlas Lions arrive in outstanding form after eliminating the Netherlands and defeating Canada convincingly, while France has reinforced its status as one of the tournament favorites thanks to one of the competition's most explosive attacks.
All four quarterfinal matchups promise high drama from start to finish. History provides fascinating storylines, but every FIFA World Cup writes new chapters. By the end of these matches, only four teams will remain in the race to lift football's greatest prize.
