World Cup 2026 quarter-finals: Four blockbuster ties, four fascinating battles

The FIFA World Cup winner’s trophy (Image: fifa.com)The World Cup has reached the business end, with the quarter-finals now upon us. Four mouth-watering ties await over the next four days, each with its own storylines, tactical battles and subplots. Fascinatingly, each pits a former winner – France, Spain, England and Argentina – against teams still seeking to lift the biggest prize for the first time.

France vs Morocco

This rivalry is about far more than football, with politics, immigration, race and religion forming the backdrop. Morocco was once a French protectorate, while several members of the Moroccan squad have strong links to France. Ayyoub Bouaddi, for example, could have represented France, having played for their Under-21 side before switching allegiance.

On the pitch, there will be several intriguing match-ups. At right-back, Hakimi is likely to come face-to-face with one of his PSG team-mates, either Bradley Barcola or Désiré Doué. For Morocco to prevail, Bouaddi and his midfield partners will need to be at their very best to cut off the passing lanes to France’s irresistible attack.

While Aurélien Tchouaméni may not be fully fit, the experience of Adrien Rabiot and the dynamism of Manu Koné should provide more than enough support for France’s attacking quartet. Morocco, meanwhile, must find a way to replace the goals of Ismaël Saibari. Soufiane Rahimi is a very different type of striker and may not receive the same service, particularly with Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui likely to have their hands full dealing with France’s wide players.

Morocco will have to produce something extraordinary to reverse their defeat to France in the last World Cup semi-final. France, even operating below full capacity, should have enough to progress.

Spain vs Belgium

Belgium have quietly worked their way through the tournament after a slow start, thanks in no small part to the ruthless decisions of Rudi Garcia. Dropping the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and even Jérémy Doku to the bench raised eyebrows, but the changes have paid off. Charles De Ketelaere has flourished in Lukaku’s place, scoring twice and providing an assist in the emphatic win over the USA.

However, Spain, unbeaten in 35 matches, present an entirely different challenge. They have yet to concede in six World Cup games and combine defensive solidity with a midfield marshalled by 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri. Up front, Mikel Oyarzabal’s scoring rate for Spain eclipses some of the country’s greatest forwards, including Fernando Torres and Raúl.

Spain look too strong and should advance.

England vs Norway

This is one of the most intriguing quarter-finals. Older England fans still shudder at memories of the defeat in Oslo in 1993 that ended hopes of reaching the 1994 World Cup, with the infamous tabloid headlines like ‘Oslo Rans’ and ‘Norse Manure’ still fresh in the memory and etched into football folklore.

Thomas Tuchel’s England, though, are a very different proposition. Their resilience in overcoming Mexico, despite the altitude and a hostile crowd, was particularly impressive, as was the way they coped after Jarell Quansah’s red card.

Norway deserved their victory over Brazil and, in Erling Haaland, possess one of the world’s most unique strikers — a player who can appear quiet for long periods before exploding into life when it matters most. With Martin Ødegaard pulling the strings in midfield, Norway have the quality to trouble anyone.

Yet, England’s firepower, led by Harry Kane and supported by Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon, alongside the midfield pairing of Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson, should prove decisive. It could take extra time or even penalties, but England are favourites to edge through.

Argentina vs Switzerland

The debate continues over Argentina’s dramatic victory against Egypt and the controversial VAR decisions that accompanied it. What cannot be disputed, however, is the quality of the three goals they scored or the character they showed in fighting back.

Switzerland battled their way past Colombia on penalties and should not be underestimated. However, it was clear how much they missed the injured Johan Manzambi. If he is fit, Argentina will have a much tougher evening. If not, the defending champions should have too much quality.

Argentina will need far better performances from both their central defenders and midfield after being exposed by Egypt for long spells. Lionel Scaloni’s expression after the winning goal against Egypt was one of pure relief. He knows Argentina escaped by the skin of their teeth and will be determined to ensure they do not find themselves in the same position again.

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