The 2026 World Cup is down to just eight teams after the intense Last 16 round concluded on Tuesday. These remaining nations will now battle in the high-stakes quarter-finals starting this Thursday. All upcoming matches will take place across various stadiums in the United States. Football fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating these blockbuster heavyweight matchups.
France vs Morocco (Thursday in Boston)
Tournament favorites France have truly lived up to their massive billing. They swept through the group stage smoothly, easily defeated Sweden, and then edged past Paraguay. Manager Didier Deschamps possesses an incredible wealth of attacking talent. His dangerous lineup features Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola, and the creative Michael Olise.
However, an unbeaten Morocco squad will not feel intimidated by the two-time world champions. The Atlas Lions previously defeated the Netherlands on penalties and crushed co-hosts Canada 3-0. The North African team will also hunt for revenge in Boston. They famously lost to France in the semi-finals four years ago in Qatar. After becoming the first African team to reach the semi-finals in 2022, they want to repeat that historic feat.
Spain vs Belgium (Friday in Los Angeles)
Spain recently made football history by defeating Portugal 1-0 on Monday. This victory marked their sixth consecutive World Cup clean sheet, a brand new tournament record. Luis de la Fuente’s European champions play a highly efficient style focused on comfortable ball possession. While Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has scored once, Mikel Oyarzabal has already netted four times this tournament.
Belgium will challenge Spain in Los Angeles following a dominant 4-1 victory over co-hosts the United States. Before that resounding win, they fought back from two goals down to defeat Senegal 3-2 in extra-time. This tournament represents the final chance for Belgium’s famous Golden Generation. Legendary players like Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku are desperate to finish their international careers with a historic trophy.
Norway vs England (Saturday in Miami)
England’s defenders frequently face Norwegian striker Erling Haaland in the Premier League. However, stopping him on the international stage is a completely different challenge. Thomas Tuchel’s English squad entered the tournament as strong favorites to win their second World Cup title. Captain Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have scored 10 of the team’s 11 goals so far. This includes a gripping 3-2 victory against Mexico where England played with 10 men.
They will face a confident Norway team in Miami led by the unstoppable Haaland. The prolific Manchester City striker has already scored seven goals as he chases the Golden Boot. Amazingly, Haaland has scored in 14 consecutive competitive games for his country, totaling 27 goals. His incredible form will definitely test England’s vulnerable defensive line.
Argentina vs Switzerland (Saturday in Kansas City)
Lionel Messi’s Argentina survived two massive scares to reach the quarter-finals. The defending champions needed extra-time to defeat tournament debutants Cape Verde 3-2. Then, they successfully rallied from a 2-0 deficit against Egypt in the Last 16. Manager Lionel Scaloni knows his team must improve as they chase a fourth World Cup crown. However, the resilient squad has proven they can never be counted out.
Argentina will now face Switzerland in Kansas City. The Swiss advanced by beating Colombia on penalties following a goalless draw in Vancouver. This marks the first time Switzerland has reached the final eight since hosting the tournament in 1954. They are a highly organized defensive unit that will be incredibly difficult for Argentina to break down.
