World Cup 2026 quarter-finals underway with intriguing matchups
The World Cup 2026 has reached its quarter-final stage, featuring eight national teams vying for a spot in the semi-finals. These matchups include six European sides, one from Africa, and one from South America, promising compelling contests as teams aim to progress towards the final on July 19.
The quarter-final fixtures began on Thursday, July 9, and will continue through Sunday, July 12, with matches taking place across various cities in the USA. The tournament has already seen some epic games, and the current lineup suggests more intense competition.
Quarter-final matchups
The first quarter-final match saw France defeat Morocco 2-0 in Foxborough, USA. This game was a rematch of a previous semi-final, with France showcasing a refreshed squad including players like William Saliba and Michael Olise. Kylian Mbappe continues to be a key player for France, aiming to challenge for individual scoring titles.
Morocco, the reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions, entered the match with a strong record, not having lost in their past 34 matches. However, they have never secured a victory against France, who have maintained a strong winning streak.
On Friday, July 10, Spain will face Belgium in Los Angeles, USA, with a kick-off scheduled for 8pm UK time. Belgium‘s offense has been prolific, scoring 13 goals in the tournament, with players like Romelu Lukaku and Leandro Trossard contributing significantly. Lukaku has scored three goals as a substitute, averaging a goal every 67 minutes.
Spain, however, presents a formidable defensive challenge, having not conceded any goals in the tournament so far. They have maintained six consecutive clean sheets, a record for any side in World Cup history, and have an average expected goals against of just 0.3.
Spain has a strong historical record against Belgium, remaining unbeaten in 11 appearances with nine wins and two draws. Their last quarter-final appearance was when they won the tournament in 2010.
Saturday, July 11, will feature Norway against England in Miami, USA, kicking off at 10pm UK time. This match is anticipated to be a duel between two prominent strikers: Erling Haaland for Norway and Harry Kane for England. Haaland has scored seven goals in four games, including two against Brazil in the last 16. He has scored 62 goals in 54 international appearances.
Kane, who scored the winning penalty against Mexico, is close behind Haaland in the race for the Golden Boot. He has continued his strong club form into the tournament. England is participating in their 11th World Cup quarter-final, having won three of their previous matches at this stage. Norway, on the other hand, is making their first appearance in a major tournament quarter-final.
The final quarter-final match will take place on Sunday, July 12, between Argentina and Switzerland in Kansas City, USA, with a kick-off at 2am UK time. Argentina, the reigning champions, have faced challenges despite being favourites in their knockout games, including being pushed to extra time by Cape Verde and achieving a comeback against Egypt.
Switzerland, under Murat Yakin, has proven to be a resilient opponent. This marks their first appearance in a World Cup quarter-final since 1954. Lionel Messi of Argentina, despite missing two penalties in the tournament, leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals.
Route to the final
The semi-final matches are scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, and Wednesday, July 15, both kicking off at 8pm UK time. The first semi-final will see France compete against the winner of the Spain versus Belgium match in Arlington, USA.
The second semi-final will feature the winner of the Norway versus England match against the winner of the Argentina versus Switzerland match in Atlanta, USA. The ultimate final match will then be held on Sunday, July 19, in New Jersey, USA, at 8pm UK time, determining the champion of the World Cup 2026.
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Source: skysports.com
