Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The quarterfinal stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is getting underway on Thursday night, with France taking on Morocco in the opening last-eight fixture in Boston.
The match, which kicks off at 1:45 am Nepal time, will mark a rematch of the 2022 World Cup semifinal in Qatar, where France defeated Morocco 2-0 to secure a place in the final for the second consecutive tournament.
Spain will square off against Belgium in the second quarterfinal on Friday night, at 12:45 am Nepal time. Spain, the 2010 world champions, have reached the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since lifting the trophy in South Africa 16 years ago. Belgium, on the other hand, are returning to the last eight for the first time in eight years.
Belgium finished fourth at the 2018 World Cup, but exited the 2022 World Cup in the group stage.
Norway will meet England in the third quarterfinal on Saturday night. The match will kick off at 2:45 am Nepal time. The two sides are facing each other at the World Cup for the first time.
Norway have reached the quarterfinals for the first time in their history after stunning Brazil in the round of 16. The Scandinavian side returned to the World Cup this year after a 28-year absence. England, the 1966 champions, have failed to reach another World Cup final since winning the title six decades ago.
The final quarterfinal match will be played on Sunday at 6:45 am Nepal time, with defending champions Argentina taking on Switzerland.
Argentina are appearing in their 19th World Cup and have won the title three times from six previous final appearances. Switzerland, meanwhile, have advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 1954.
