The FIFA World Cup quarterfinal lineup has been finalized following an intense round of 16 filled with dramatic comebacks, penalty shootouts, and surprising results. France, Morocco, Norway, England, Spain, Belgium, Argentina, and Switzerland have advanced to the final eight, setting up four high-profile quarterfinal clashes to be staged across the United States.

Beyond the action on the field, the competition continues to face controversy. Egypt has accused officials of bias after its narrow loss to Argentina, while FIFA is under renewed criticism over decisions involving the USA team and reported political involvement from US President Donald Trump.

Here is what we know:

Who is in the World Cup quarterfinals?

• Morocco (defeated Canada 3-0)

• France (defeated Paraguay 1-0)

• Norway (defeated Brazil 2-1)

• England (defeated Mexico 3-2)

• Spain (defeated Portugal 1-0)

• Belgium (defeated the USA 4-1)

• Argentina (defeated Egypt 3-2)

• Switzerland (defeated Colombia 4-3 on penalties)

What’s the full match schedule for the World Cup quarterfinals?

• France vs Morocco on Thursday, July 9, at 4pm (20:00 GMT) – Boston Stadium, US

• Spain vs Belgium on Friday, July 10, at noon (19:00 GMT) – Los Angeles Stadium, US

• Norway vs England on Saturday, July 11, at 5pm (21:00 GMT) – Miami Stadium, US

• Argentina vs Switzerland on Saturday, July 11, at 8pm (01:00 GMT on Sunday) – Kansas City Stadium, US

What other topics are being discussed?

Egypt alleges match was rigged

FIFA is once again under pressure after Argentina’s contentious 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt in the round of 16. The debate intensified just a day after criticism emerged over FIFA’s decision to lift USA striker Folarin Balogun’s suspension following a public appeal by US President Donald Trump.

During the match in Atlanta, Egypt believed they had extended their lead, only for a late VAR review to overturn their second goal. The decision shifted the momentum of the game, allowing Argentina to rally and secure a quarterfinal berth.

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan openly questioned the fairness of the officiating, suggesting that Argentina, as defending champions, may have benefited from favorable treatment. He also implied that there was significant pressure to keep Lionel Messi in the tournament.

“Maybe they wanted Messi to continue,” Hassan said in a televised interview. “The reigning champions seemed to have backing at every stage.”

The incident adds to broader concerns about refereeing standards at the tournament. FIFA’s earlier move to overturn Balogun’s red-card suspension, reportedly after political intervention, fueled debate about the independence of football’s governing body. Although Balogun played in the USA’s defeat to Belgium, questions about outside influence remain.

Argentina fan waves Israeli flag at World Cup match

An Argentina supporter was spotted waving an Israeli flag during the round of 16 clash against Egypt, drawing widespread attention amid heightened political sensitivities.

Some viewers interpreted the act as a possible gesture directed at Egypt’s coach, Hossam Hassan, who had previously dedicated his team’s historic first knockout-stage victory to the people of Gaza.

Two USA football team staff members suspended by FIFA for Belgium game

Two members of the USA national team’s staff were suspended by FIFA ahead of Monday’s round of 16 match against Belgium.

Football’s governing body did not provide specific details regarding the disciplinary action taken against team manager Sam Zapatka and US Soccer Federation Vice President of Security Frank Pannell.

The US Soccer Federation also declined to elaborate, stating only that the suspensions were unrelated to the successful appeal that reversed forward Folarin Balogun’s one-match red-card ban.