The FIFA World Cup 2026 has reached the quarter-final stage following an intense Round of 16, leaving eight teams to compete for the championship. The remaining contenders are Argentina, France, Morocco, Spain, Belgium, England, Norway, and Switzerland, setting up four compelling matches.
Defending Champions Argentina Survive Scare
Argentina, the defending champions, narrowly avoided elimination after a dramatic comeback against Egypt. Trailing 2-0 with 15 minutes remaining, Lionel Scaloni's side rallied to win 3-2, despite Lionel Messi missing an early penalty. They now face Switzerland, who advanced by eliminating Colombia in a penalty shootout after a disciplined defensive display. Switzerland has reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1954.
France vs Morocco: A Rematch of 2022
France will take on Morocco in a repeat of the 2022 semi-final in Qatar. Didier Deschamps' team secured a 1-0 victory over Paraguay with a second-half penalty by Kylian Mbappe. Morocco, Africa's sole representative, defeated co-hosts Canada 3-0 in the Round of 16, becoming the first African nation to reach consecutive World Cup quarter-finals. Led by Mohamed Ouahbi, the Atlas Lions aim to avenge their 2022 loss and advance further.
Spain vs Belgium: Contrasting Styles
Spain and Belgium meet in a tactical battle. Spain edged Portugal 1-0 with a stoppage-time winner from substitute Mikel Merino. Belgium advanced with a 4-1 win over co-hosts the United States, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice. The match pits Spain's possession-based approach against Belgium's pace and direct attacking football.
England vs Norway: Star-Studded Clash
England faces Norway in one of the standout quarter-finals. Thomas Tuchel's side beat Mexico 3-2 despite playing much of the second half with 10 men after Jarell Quansah's red card. Jude Bellingham scored twice. Norway upset five-time champions Brazil 2-1, with Erling Haaland scoring two late goals. The match features Premier League stars Haaland and England captain Harry Kane.
Golden Boot Race Heats Up
The Golden Boot race is tight, with Lionel Messi leading with eight goals, followed by Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland with seven each. Harry Kane has six, while Jude Bellingham, Ousmane Dembele, Ismael Saibari, and Johan Manzambi are also in contention.
Historic Absence of Germany and Brazil
For the first time in World Cup history, neither Germany nor Brazil have reached the quarter-finals in the same tournament. According to FIFA, both teams failed to make the last eight, a unique occurrence. Previous editions with no quarter-finals include 1930, 1950, 1974, 1978, and 1982.
