Home of football statistics and historyJust eight teams remain in contention to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup after four weeks of breathtaking action in North America.
France are the bookmakers’ favourites to win the tournament after easing their way into the quarter-finals without too many problems.
However, plenty of punters will wager on Argentina to retain their title as world champions this summer.
Argentina will believe their name is on the trophy after narrowly overcoming Cape Verde and Egypt during the knockout stage.
Spain and England are expected to complete the semi-final line-up, although it would be no surprise if one of the underdogs secured a shock result.
With that in mind, read on as we look at the quarter-final draw, before assessing which teams are most likely to progress to the last four.
World Cup 2026 Quarter-Finals
- Thursday, July 9 – France vs Morocco (9.00 pm)
- Friday, July 10 – Spain vs Belgium (8.00 pm)
- Saturday July 11 – Norway vs England (10.00 am)
- Sunday, July 12 – Argentina vs Switzerland (2.00 am)
World Cup 2026 Quarter-Finals Preview
France vs Morocco
France’s heady mix of defensive stability and attacking flair has helped them to reach the quarter-finals without losing a game.
They have kept three clean sheets in five outings this summer and will be a tough nut to crack in their quest to reach their third consecutive final.
However, Morocco could make life difficult for Les Bleus. They drew with Brazil in the group stage and defeated Netherlands in the round of 32.
France are worthy favourites to win the game, but it would be no surprise if they need extra-time and penalties to get the job done.
Spain vs Belgium
Spain dazzled the football world on their way to winning the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, but have not been as extravagant this summer.
While the 2024 European champions still have plenty of attacking talent in their squad, five clean sheets in five games highlights were their strength lies.
They are the first team in World Cup history to keep a clean sheet in six consecutive matches, beating the previous mark set by Italy (1990) and Switzerland (2006-10).
Belgium will test their mettle in the quarter-final, but Spain look a good bet to set up a last four showdown with France.
Norway vs England
England’s bid to win the World Cup for the first time in sixty years gathered momentum with a gritty 3-2 victory over Mexico at the Aztec Stadium in the previous round.
The Three Lions played most of the second half with ten men following Jarell Quansah’s dismissal, but hung on to claim a memorable win.
They now face Norway, who overcame five-time world champions Brazil in the last-16 to progress to this stage of the competition for the first time.
With star striker Erling Braut Haaland leading the line, Norway could upset the odds once again.
Argentina vs Switzerland
The football gods have smiled on Argentina this summer, giving them the strength to battle past two teams they were fancied to defeat comfortably.
Egypt blew a golden opportunity to dump the defending champions out of the tournament in the previous round after failing to hang onto a two-goal lead.
Lionel Messi was inevitably central to Argentina’s inspired comeback and he seems destined to have a big say in who wins the World Cup this summer.
Although quarter-final opponents Switzerland are tough to break down, Messi and his teammates should make it through to the last four.
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