ATLANTA — Eight teams remain in the FIFA World Cup as the tournament enters the quarterfinal stage, with world powers France, Spain, Argentina and England joined by Belgium, Morocco, Norway and Switzerland in the race for football’s biggest prize.
Tournament favorite France continues to lead the betting markets after an impressive campaign, followed by Spain, defending champion Argentina and England, while Norway’s fairytale run has made it the surprise package of the last eight.
France vs. Morocco (Thursday, Foxborough)
France enters the quarterfinals after winning all five of its matches, including a 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the Round of 16. Kylian Mbappé has led the charge with seven tournament goals, while Les Bleus have outscored opponents 14-2.
Morocco, the first African nation to reach the World Cup quarterfinals twice, arrives full of confidence after eliminating the Netherlands on penalties and beating co-host Canada 3-0. The Atlas Lions also held Brazil to a draw during the group stage.
Spain vs. Belgium (Friday, Inglewood)
Spain has yet to concede a goal in the tournament and set a World Cup record with six consecutive clean sheets after edging Portugal 1-0 thanks to Mikel Merino’s stoppage-time winner.
Belgium reached the quarterfinals after staging a dramatic comeback against Senegal before defeating the United States 4-1 in the Round of 16.
Norway vs. England (Saturday, Miami Gardens)
Norway continues its remarkable tournament after stunning five-time champion Brazil, with Erling Haaland taking his tally to seven goals and leading the Scandinavian nation’s first-ever run to the World Cup quarterfinals.
England, meanwhile, battled past co-host Mexico to keep its title hopes alive despite losing experienced midfielder Jordan Henderson to injury.
Argentina vs. Switzerland (Saturday, Kansas City)
Defending champion Argentina survived one of the tournament’s greatest scares by rallying from two goals down to beat Egypt 3-2, with Lionel Messi scoring his eighth goal of the tournament and extending his all-time World Cup record to 21 goals.
Switzerland has built its campaign on defensive resilience, defeating Colombia in a penalty shootout to reach its first World Cup quarterfinal since 1954.
The winners of France and Morocco will face Spain or Belgium in the first semifinal, while the victor between Norway and England will meet either Argentina or Switzerland in the other semifinal as the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup title intensifies.
Source: Saudi Gazette