What to Expect from World Cup Quarter-Finals
by Sam Cox
The last few weeks of soccer picks have all been about trying to identify which teams will make it to the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup. Four expected teams are joined by some more surprising names.
Morocco made it back-to-back last-eight appearances, Belgium overcame adversity, Norway toppled a soccer superpower, and Switzerland benefited from a friendly draw.
France vs. Morocco
A rematch of the 2022 semifinal, France had to overcome a battling Paraguay and Sweden to reach this stage. Morocco’s path featured a last-gasp equalizer and a penalty shootout win over the Netherlands before an impressive 3-0 demolition of Canada.
As mentioned in our France vs Morocco pick, France have looked like the team to beat so far. The triumvirate of Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, and Ousmane Dembélé were unstoppable until they came up against the dark arts of the Paraguayans.
Morocco’s defense hasn’t been quite as steely as it was four years ago. The win over Canada was only their second clean sheet of the tournament. In attack, though, they pose more threat and will be dangerous in transition against a France team that is weakest in central midfield.
The pattern this match will follow is clear. Morocco are going to sit in a low block and put the onus on France to break them down. With Olise and Dembélé, Les Bleus are going to create chances aplenty. The Atlas Lions are going to be dangerous when they do get the ball, but they must be clinical.
Spain vs. Belgium
Spain are yet to concede a goal at this World Cup after Mikel Merino’s late goal ensured a win over Portugal in the round of 16. Belgium didn’t set the world alight in the group stage, but they showed great grit to come from 2-0 against Senegal and absolutely torched the United States in the last round.
Our Spain vs Belgium pick points out that La Roja haven’t been as captivating in possession as they were at the Euros a couple of summers ago. Lamine Yamal has been outshone by more experienced superstars. La Roja, though, have been incredibly solid defensively, with the lowest xG allowed per 90 minutes.
Belgium have fluctuated between looking thoroughly ordinary and irresistible. They were the latter – perhaps sparked by some extra motivation – against the U.S. For the majority of the match against Senegal, the Red Devils were flat and looked like this was a tournament too far.
Spain, who have averaged 65.7% possession in this tournament, are going to have the vast majority of the ball. Like Morocco, Belgium need to make it count on the rare occasion they get possession.
England vs. Norway
England’s win over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca was their best performance since 1966. Thomas Tuchel’s side have had to work hard to see off the Mexicans and DR Congo, setting up a last-eight duel with Erling Haaland’s Norway, who beat Brazil in the last 16.
Norway needed a late goal to beat the Ivory Coast. Their match against Brazil was impressively straightforward. They absorbed pressure without conceding too many chances, and Haaland did the business with two late goals. This marks the Vikings’ deepest World Cup run.
The defense has been the biggest concern for England until their rearguard action with 10 men against Mexico. Tuchel has a dilemma at right-back if Reece James isn’t fit for this one, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see John Stones get the start next to Marc Guehi following his performance off the bench on Sunday.
Don’t be surprised if this descends into an end-to-end match. England haven’t been able to get control of matches so far and Norway will commit bodies forward.
Argentina vs. Switzerland
Argentina made hard work of matches against Cape Verde and Egypt. What should have been a routine path to the quarterfinals became two extraordinary fixtures, with Cape Verde forcing the world champions to extra time and Egypt taking a two-goal lead before La Albiceleste came back.
Switzerland beat Algeria 2-0 in the round of 32 and were underdogs for their clash with Colombia. Resolute in defense and wasteful in the final third, the Swiss got the better of Colombia in a penalty shootout on Tuesday.
It’s hard to shake the feeling that Argentina have their name on the trophy. Two potentially historic upsets have provided magical moments for Lionel Messi and co., and they are heavily favored to reach the semifinals.
It’s not just Messi. The whole team seems to be able to up its game when it is most desperately needed. Could Switzerland be the team to derail this run of destiny?
