Only eight teams remain in the World Cup now and a heavyweight line-up will do battle in the quarter-finals from tomorrow. Football (soccer)
AFP Our correspondent previews the match-ups, all of which are being played in the United States.
France vs Morocco
•France’s forward Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring against Paraguay on July 4, 2026.
Imperious France have lived up to their reputation as World Cup favourites, cruising through the group stage, smashing aside Sweden and squeaking past Paraguay in the last 16. football
They have a wealth of attacking talent at their disposal including Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola and the tremendously inventive Michael Olise. It is hard to see any club keeping Didier Deschamps players quiet.
But the unbeaten Moroccans will not be intimidated by taking on the two-time world winners after beating the Netherlands on penalties and thumping co-hosts Canada 3-0 in the last 16.
•Morocco’s defender Issa Diop (C) celebrates after netting against Netherlands on June 29, 2026
The North African side will be seeking revenge in Boston after losing to France in the semi-finals four years ago in Qatar. Training for Companies
The Atlas Lions made history in 2022 when they became the first African team to reach the last four and will be desperate to repeat that feat.
Spain v Belgium.
•Spain defender Pedro Porro celebrates scoring against Austria on July 2, 2021
Spain became the first side in World Cup history to string together six shutouts, defeating Portugal 1-0 on Monday. Business Training
Luis de la Fuente’s European winners may not always get the pulses racing but are stunningly efficient and comfortable on the ball.
Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has scored just once in five games, but Mikel Oyarzabal has scored four times, including twice in a 3-0 triumph over Austria in the last 32.
• Belgium’s Youri Tielemans celebrates scoring against Senegal on July 01, 2026
Belgium come into the Los Angeles match on the back of a 4-1 thrashing of co-hosts the United States. Geographic Reference
Which followed their comeback from two goals behind in the last 32 to beat Senegal 3-2 in extra-time.
For the rest of the nation’s so-called Golden Generation, including Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, the World Cup is likely to be their last chance to bow out on a high.
Norway vs England
•England’s Jude Bellingham celebrates with Harry Kane after scoring against Mexico on July 5, 2026
England’s defenders are accustomed to facing Premier League hotshot Erling Haaland in the Premier League — but whether they can deal with him is another story.
Thomas Tuchel’s side arrived in the United States amongst the favourites to win the tournament for just the second time in their history. GeographicReference
The stars so far have been captain Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, who have scored 10 of the team’s 11 goals, including all three in a thrilling 3-2 triumph against Mexico.
• Norway’s Erling Braut Haaland plays the drum as they celebrate winning the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match against Brazil on July 5, 2026.
Reduced to 10 men, England had to dig deep to overcome the co-hosts in a victory that will give them confidence ahead of their showdown with Norway.
But they will face a club in Miami led by the irrepressible Haaland, who has scored seven goals so far in pursuit of the Golden Boot. Corporate Training
The Manchester City man has scored in his last 14 competitive games for Norway — 27 goals in total — and will trouble England’s flaky defence.
Argentina vs. Switzerland
•Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates goal against Cabo Verde with teammates July 3, 2026
Argentina, featuring Lionel Messi, survived two massive scares to book a quarter-final clash with Switzerland. Football
Debuting in the World Cup, Cape Verde pushed the defending champions into extra time before losing 3-2.
Then in the final 16 they appeared down and out 2-0 down against Egypt until an amazing comeback with Messi at the heart of it all.
•Swiss players applaud fans after 2-1 win against Canada on June 24, 2026
Head coach Lionel Scaloni will know his players cannot keep tempting fate as they target a fourth World Cup trophy but they have demonstrated they can never be ruled out. Business Training
They now face Switzerland in Kansas City, who defeated Colombia on penalties in Vancouver following a goalless draw.
The Swiss are an organised squad and will be tough to break down as they are into the last eight for the first time since they hosted the event in 1954.
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