World Cup 2026 Before the Quarterfinals: Who Truly Deserves the Trophy?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is entering its hottest phase. After the completion of the Round of 16, all the quarterfinal matchups have been determined: France will play Morocco, Spain will face Belgium, Norway will take on England, and Argentina will meet Switzerland.

This playoff has already become a tournament of significant losses. Brazil, Portugal, Germany, the Netherlands, and the USA are no longer in contention for the World Cup. However, the remaining teams either confirm their status as favorites or are writing one of the most exciting stories of the championship.

All Quarterfinal Matchups of WC-2026

Why This Quarterfinal is Special

On paper, the quarterfinal stage often looks like a gathering of favorites. But the WC-2026 has turned out differently. Brazil, once considered a main contender, is no longer in the mix. Portugal has been eliminated after losing to Spain. The USA faced a heavy defeat against Belgium, ending their home tournament.

Thus, the current quarterfinals are not just a battle for a semifinal spot. They are a test of maturity. France needs to confirm its status as the main favorite. Spain must prove that their victory over Portugal was not a one-time flash. England must avoid falling into Norway's trap. Argentina needs to overcome an opponent that can disrupt any plans.

France vs. Morocco: Favorite Against a Team That Can't Be Comfortably Defeated

France approaches the quarterfinals as one of the most stable teams in the tournament. They don't always play spectacularly, but they almost always control key moments. In the playoffs, this quality is more important than beautiful statistics.

Morocco is a different type of opponent. This team knows how to endure without the ball, close spaces, and turn the match into a gritty battle. Against such teams, favorites often find themselves playing not just against the opponent, but against time and their own frustration.

The main question of this matchup: can France score first? If so, the match may open up. If not, Morocco will get the exact scenario in which they feel most confident.

Spain vs. Belgium: The Most Tactical Match of the Quarterfinals

Spain eliminated Portugal without unnecessary chaos. The team displayed mature football: ball control, intelligent pressing, the ability to avoid opening up space, and patience in searching for the moment.

Belgium advanced past the USA in a completely different manner—through a powerful attacking evening and a significant victory. After a 4-1 win, the Belgians gained not only a spot in the quarterfinals but also an emotional boost that can be very important at this stage.

This matchup looks like a clash of two different football ideas. Spain will aim to control the tempo. Belgium will look for space. Spain will try to manage risks. Belgium will punish any mistakes.

Norway vs. England: A Fairytale or a Real Bid for the Semifinals?

Norway has already achieved what many considered almost impossible: they eliminated Brazil. After such a result, they can no longer be called a fluke team. They are now a full-fledged contender for a semifinal spot.

Norway's strength lies in simplicity and efficiency. The team does not try to play more beautifully than their opponent. They play more directly, harder, and more pragmatically. In the playoffs, such football often proves to be extremely unpleasant.

England defeated Mexico in a dramatic match 3-2. It was a victory of character, but not an ideal performance. Against Norway, the English will need to be especially attentive to set pieces, second balls, and quick transitions.

Argentina vs. Switzerland: Champion Against a Fearless Team

Argentina continues its title defense, but their path cannot be described as calm. The team knows how to create chances, has individual class, but sometimes allows opponents too much near their goal.

Switzerland is exactly the kind of opponent that knows how to punish such weaknesses. This team rarely plays spectacularly, but almost always acts in an organized manner. They can withstand pressure, disrupt tempo, and bring matches to a nerve-wracking conclusion.

For Argentina, the key task will be to quickly control the game. If Switzerland drags the match into an equal and gritty scenario, the defending champions will find it very difficult.

BET RATING Favorites Index Before the Quarterfinals

Main Questions Before the Quarterfinals

• Can Morocco stop a favorite again? France is stronger on paper, but the match could be very challenging.
• Will Belgium withstand Spain's control? After 4-1 against the USA, the team looks strong, but Spain gives almost no space.
• Will Norway's fairytale continue? The victory over Brazil is already a story, but England presents a new level of pressure.
• How vulnerable is Argentina? The world champions are moving forward, but Switzerland knows how to exploit opponents' weaknesses.

What to Consider When Betting on the WC-2026 Quarterfinals

The quarterfinals are a stage where you can no longer rely solely on team names. Brazil and Portugal have already been eliminated, even though both were among the most discussed contenders. Now, the specific style of the matchup, physical condition, squad depth, and the team's ability to withstand pressure are more important.

On Olimpbet.kz, you can follow the markets for the WC-2026 quarterfinals: outcomes, advancing, totals, spreads, both teams to score, and long-term bets on the tournament winner.

BET RATING Prediction

Currently, France looks like the most likely favorite of the entire tournament. The team does not always play spectacularly, but knows how to win matches with minimal risk. Spain appears to be the most cohesive in structure, while Argentina maintains its championship experience.

However, the main question of the tournament is Norway. If the team advances past England after their victory over Brazil, they can no longer be seen as a sensation. This will be a full-fledged bid for the final.

The most unpredictable matchup is Spain vs. Belgium. The most dangerous for the favorite is France vs. Morocco. The most emotional is Norway vs. England. The most gritty is Argentina vs. Switzerland.

FAQ: WC-2026 Quarterfinals

What quarterfinal matchups of WC-2026 are already known?

The quarterfinals will feature France vs. Morocco, Spain vs. Belgium, Norway vs. England, and Argentina vs. Switzerland.

When will France and Morocco play?

The match France vs. Morocco will take place on July 9 at 23:00 MSK.

When is the match Spain vs. Belgium?

Spain and Belgium will play on July 10 at 22:00 MSK.

When will Norway and England play?

The match Norway vs. England will take place on July 12 at 00:00 MSK.

When is the match Argentina vs. Switzerland?

Argentina and Switzerland will play on July 12 at 04:00 MSK.

Who is the main favorite of WC-2026 before the quarterfinals?

According to BET RATING, the main favorite before the quarterfinals is France. Spain, Argentina, and England also have high chances.

Conclusion

The WC-2026 is approaching a stage where every match can become the main event of the tournament. France will test itself against Morocco, Spain will play against Belgium, Norway will try to continue its sensational journey against England, and Argentina will face a very tricky Switzerland.

After the elimination of Brazil and Portugal, it has become clear: this World Cup is not about names, but about the readiness to withstand pressure. Stay tuned for fresh news, analysis, and predictions on BET RATING, and check the current odds for the WC-2026 quarterfinals on Olimpbet.kz.