The 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals have arrived, boasting an impressive array of talent, including Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, and Lamine Yamal, making for an exhilarating spectacle. However, these teams are not here to entertain; they are focused on claiming the World Cup title, with some seeking to make history as first-time champions.
The remaining eight teams - Argentina, Belgium, England, France, Morocco, Norway, Spain, and Switzerland - are convinced they have what it takes to lift the trophy, and from this point forward, it's all about business.
France vs. Morocco
At 27 years old, Kylian Mbappé has already made 103 appearances for France and scored 63 goals, cementing his position as the country's all-time leading goalscorer. This is his third World Cup, and another run to the final would put him among the all-time greats, keeping him in contention with Lionel Messi for the tournament's leading goalscorer title.
If France wins the World Cup this year, Mbappé will be the one lifting the trophy, achieving a three-tournament run that few players in history can match.
Morocco made history in 2022 by becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup semifinal. Next, the Atlas Lions aim to reach the final game. Morocco has progressed to the quarterfinals after beating the Netherlands and Canada, showcasing their superiority in both matchups.
Morocco's upcoming match against France is a rematch of their 2022 semifinal. Striker Ismael Saibari suffered an injury in the win over Canada, but the team is hopeful he will be available to face France. Morocco will be the underdog, but they have a genuine chance to pull off an upset, with midfielder Azzedine Ounahi scoring twice against Canada and playmaker Brahim Diaz and right back Achraf Hakimi combining for three assists.
Spain vs. Belgium
Spain is renowned for its possession-based game, featuring one of the world's best midfields. However, it's their defense that has been the star of the tournament so far. La Roja has played five games without conceding a goal, with their back line and goalkeeper Unai Simon forming an impenetrable unit.
Simon has gone 609 minutes without conceding a goal at the World Cup, setting a new record for the longest streak by a goalkeeper. Next, Spain faces Belgium, which has scored nine goals in its last two games against New Zealand and the United States.
Belgium's veteran stars, including Thibaut Courtois, Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, and Leandro Trossard, are still making significant contributions. Lukaku is making an impact off the bench, while De Bruyne's presence will be crucial in the match against Spain. This will be Belgium's toughest test yet, and they will need their experienced players to lead the way to victory.
Norway vs. England
Erling Haaland is the most dominant striker in the world, and possibly the only player who can match his prowess is Harry Kane, who will be starting opposite him in the quarterfinal. However, Kane cannot stop Haaland alone; it will require a combined effort from England's defense, including Marc Guéhi, Ezri Konsa, and Jordan Pickford, to cancel out Haaland's goals with their own.
England has been in this position before - a talented team with momentum heading into a quarterfinal matchup they should win. However, their last major tournament victory was in 1996, and coach Thomas Tuchel is under pressure to deliver. A loss to Norway, ranked 14 spots below England, would be a significant upset and raise questions about Tuchel's roster decisions.
Argentina vs. Switzerland
Lionel Messi has already achieved greatness in the FIFA World Cup, with the tournament's most goals and assists, two Golden Ball awards, and a World Cup title in 2022. Now, he is chasing his second, and likely last, World Cup title. If he succeeds, Messi will become the first player to win two World Cups as captain, and Argentina will become the first back-to-back men's World Cup champions since Brazil in 1962.
Switzerland, despite not being a modern soccer powerhouse, has reached the quarterfinals three times but never advanced further. However, they should not be underestimated, especially after Argentina's close call in the round of 16. Switzerland's progress to the quarterfinals is an accomplishment in itself, but they will be looking to go beyond their previous best and make history.
