The last-16 is over, and just eight teams remain at the crunch stage of this World Cup which has been packed with excitement, drama and controversy so far.
After constant action every day since the tournament began, July 8th serves as the first designated rest day of the competition in what is a tactical pause in the proceedings.
Just seven matches (plus the third-place playoff) are left before the champion is crowned on July 1st and now with the tournament entering its final stretch the games are more spread out.
The quarterfinals will take place across Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, followed by another rest day on Monday, July 13th. The semifinals are then scheduled for July 14th and 15th, with the final coming four days later.
These breaks are essential as the tournament is set across the United States, Canada, and Mexico which, combined with the intense summer heat across the continent, means player welfare is at risk which only jeopardises the quality of the competition.
The schedule looks like this as FIFA make sure players are allowed adequate rest, meaning they should be more prepared for the latter stages of the tournament.
Thursday, July 9: France vs Morocco — Boston Stadium
Friday, July 10: Spain vs Belgium — Los Angeles Stadium
Saturday, July 11: Norway vs England — Miami Stadium
Saturday, July 11: Argentina vs Switzerland — Kansas City Stadium