The FIFA World Cup 2026 has reached a thrilling stage, with just eight teams remaining in the United States vying for football's most coveted trophy. The quarterfinals promise to deliver intense matchups, featuring heavyweights like France,Spain, England,and Argentina, alongside underdogs like Morocco and Norway. The stakes are high as each team aims to secure a place in the semifinals.
France will face Morocco on Thursday at 20:00 GMT in a much-anticipated rematch of their semifinal clash from 2022 tournament. In that encounter,Morocco's remarkable journey ended at the hands of the defending champions. Despite a spirited performance, Morocco struggled against France's early lead and ultimately lost 2-0. This time, Morocco enters the match with a new head coach,Mohamed Ouahbi,and a squad that has seen significant changes since their last meeting. Only four players from the starting eleven in 2022 will take the field against France .
Morocco's path to quarterfinals has been rollercoaster. After a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Netherlands in the round of 32, they faced Canada in the last 16, winning 3-0 despite losing star forward Ismael Saibari to injury. The team has shown resilience,with their defense and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou expected to play crucial roles against a formidable French attack led by stars like Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé.
On Friday,Spain will take on Belgium at 19:00 GMT in clash that sees the two European teams with contrasting fortunes. Belgium,once a top contender,has struggled throughout tournament,barely scraping through the group stage and relying on a late comeback against Senegal in round of 16 . They managed to win 3-2 after trailing 2-0, thanks to late penalty from Youri Tielemans.
In stark contrast,Spain has been a defensive fortress, with goalkeeper Unai Simon keeping five consecutive clean sheets. Their solid performance includes a narrow 1-0 victory over Portugal in the last 16, where Mikel Merino scored decisive goal. Spain's ability to stifle their opponents will be tested against Belgium,who will need to overcome their recent struggles if they hope to advance.
The quarterfinals will also feature a showdown between two of the tournament's leading scorers,as Norway meets England on Saturday at 21:00 GMT. Erling Haaland,Norway's star striker,has been in sensational form,netting seven goals in four matches,while Harry Kane of England is hot on his heels with six goals. Both players have been pivotal for their teams,and their duel could determine the outcome of this match .
Norway's coach Stale Solbakken has seen his team thrive, especially after Haaland scored winner against Ivory Coast and followed it up with two goals against Brazil. Meanwhile,Kane has also been instrumental for England,scoring crucial goals in their knockout matches,including a late brace against DR Congo.
Finally,on Sunday at 01:00 GMT, Argentina will face Switzerland in a match that could be filled with drama. Lionel Messi and his teammates have had to battle through tense matches,including a thrilling 3-2 victory over Egypt in the last round. Argentina's resilience will be tested against a Swiss side that has shown its own grit throughout the tournament.
As the quarterfinals approach,the excitement builds. Each team carries its own narrative, with some seeking redemption and others aiming to solidify their legacy . The outcomes of these matches will not only determine who advances but also shape stories of players and nations involved in this grand spectacle of football.
