FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina, France, England among heavyweights as last 8 battle for semi-final spots

Boston [USA], July 8 (ANI): The FIFA World Cup 2026 has entered the quarter-final stage after an eventful Round of 16, with only eight teams remaining in the race for football’s biggest prize. The 48-team tournament has now been narrowed down to Argentina, France, Morocco, Spain, Belgium, England, Norway and Switzerland, setting up four intriguing quarter-final clashes.

Defending champions Argentina survived a dramatic scare to stay in the competition, while European powerhouses France, Spain, England and Belgium continued their campaigns. Morocco remain Africa’s sole representatives after a brilliant run so far, while Norway and Switzerland will also look to extend their impressive campaigns.

The last-eight fixtures promise a combination of tactical battles, historic rematches and high-profile individual duels as teams compete for places in the semi-finals.

France vs Morocco

France will meet Morocco in a repeat of their 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-final in Qatar. Didier Deschamps’ side secured a place in the quarter-finals with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paraguay, courtesy of a second-half penalty converted by captain Kylian Mbappe.

Morocco, meanwhile, produced one of the most convincing performances of the Round of 16 by defeating co-hosts Canada 3-0. Led by an energetic midfield and a disciplined defensive structure, Mohamed Ouahbi’s side became the first African nation to reach consecutive World Cup quarter-finals. Having fallen to France in the semi-finals four years ago, the Atlas Lions now have an opportunity to gain revenge and move one step closer to another historic achievement.

Spain vs Belgium

Spain and Belgium will square off in another fascinating encounter between two sides with contrasting approaches. Spain edged neighbours Portugal 1-0 in a closely contested Round of 16 clash, with substitute Mikel Merino scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner.

Luis de la Fuente’s side now faces a Belgium team that has looked clinical in attack throughout the tournament. Belgium advanced with an emphatic 4-1 victory over co-hosts the United States, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice in an impressive display. The contest is expected to pit Spain’s control of possession against Belgium’s pace and direct attacking football.

England vs Norway

England’s meeting with Norway is expected to be one of the standout ties of the quarter-finals. Thomas Tuchel’s side showed resilience in their 3-2 victory over Mexico despite playing much of the second half with 10 men following Jarell Quansah’s red card. Jude Bellingham starred with two goals to help England secure progression.

Norway, meanwhile, registered one of the biggest upsets of the tournament by defeating five-time champions Brazil 2-1. Erling Haaland scored twice late in the match to complete a memorable comeback and send Norway into the last eight. The clash is set to feature two of the Premier League’s biggest stars as Norway’s Haaland and England captain Harry Kane lead their respective attacks.

Argentina vs Switzerland

The final quarter-final sees defending champions Argentina face Switzerland. Lionel Scaloni’s side produced a remarkable comeback against Egypt after trailing 2-0 with just 15 minutes remaining. Despite Lionel Messi missing an early penalty, Argentina recovered to claim a dramatic 3-2 victory and keep their title defence alive.

Switzerland progressed after eliminating Colombia in a penalty shootout following a disciplined defensive performance. The Swiss have reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1954 and will look to frustrate Argentina as they chase a place in the semi-finals.

The quarter-finals will also see the race for the Golden Boot heat up. Argentina’s Lionel Messi leads the scoring charts with eight goals, followed by Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland with seven each. Harry Kane, who won the award in 2018, is close behind with six goals, while Jude Bellingham, Ousmane Dembele, Ismael Saibari and Johan Manzambi will also look to improve their goal tally in the remaining matches.

Notably, for the first time in World Cup history, neither Germany nor Brazil have reached the quarter-finals. While Germany and Brazil have each failed to make the last eight in previous editions, this is the first time both teams have been eliminated before the quarter-final stage in the same tournament, according to the FIFA website. There were no quarter-finals in the 1930, 1950, 1974, 1978 and 1982 editions. (ANI)

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