World Cup quarterfinals set for Saturday: Norway-England, Argentina-Switzerland

The 2026 FIFA World Cup's final two quarterfinals are set for Saturday in a doubleheader that pits some of the tournament's most prolific attackers against each other, with Norway taking on England at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami at 5 p.m. ET, followed by Argentina versus Switzerland at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City at 9 p.m. ET.usatoday+1

Haaland vs. Kane Headlines Miami Showdown

The Norway-England clash brings together two of the tournament's leading scorers. Erling Haaland, who inspired Norway's shock round-of-16 victory over Brazil with a second-half brace, has seven goals from just 18 shots — a 39% conversion rate that ESPN called the best from 15-plus shots in a single World Cup. His counterparts Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have combined for 10 of England's 11 goals in the tournament, according to the BBC, with Kane's six goals in 2026 bringing his career World Cup total to 14, surpassing Gary Lineker's longstanding England record.bbc+2

Norway have scored 12 goals across four matches, while England have netted 11 in five games, setting up what could be one of the highest-scoring quarterfinals in recent memory. England enter as slight favorites, but Norway's return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence — their first appearance since 1998 — has been the story of the tournament.wikipedia+2

Messi's Argentina Seek to Continue Dramatic Run

In the later kickoff, defending champions Argentina will look to extend a tournament defined by late drama. In the round of 16, Lionel Messi's side trailed Egypt 2-0 in the 78th minute before scoring three goals in 13 minutes to win 3-2, a comeback ESPN described as historic. Messi, who shed tears after the match according to the BBC, now has eight goals in the tournament — leading the Golden Boot race.foxsports+3

Switzerland advanced via a contrasting route, edging Colombia 4-3 on penalties after 120 scoreless minutes in a display of defensive discipline. Reuters noted the two nations are renewing a World Cup rivalry 12 years after their 2014 thriller.reuters+1

Road to the Final

The winners of Saturday's matches will meet in the semifinal on Wednesday, July 15, in Atlanta, while the World Cup final is scheduled for July 19. Both matches will be broadcast live on Fox.fox+1