World Cup 2026: Ranking the Quarterfinal Matchups from Most to Least Exciting
Only eight teams remain in the expanded 48-team World Cup, with the quarterfinals starting Thursday after a brief pause in play. Here's our take on how the four matchups rank based on recent performances and intrigue.
4. Argentina vs. Switzerland
Saturday | 9 p.m. ET | TV: Fox
Odds: Argentina (-285), Switzerland (+220)
Switzerland has made it to the quarterfinals for the first time since 1954 by edging Colombia in the Round of 16. This achievement deserves more recognition than it often gets. Meanwhile, Argentina has delivered some of the tournament's most dramatic knockout games so far, solidifying their reputation as masters of tension-filled matches.
Both squads bring experience to the field. The Swiss will likely adopt a defensive posture against the reigning champions, but history suggests trying to hold back Argentina late into the game is a risky gamble.
3. Belgium vs. Spain
Friday | 3 p.m. ET | TV: Fox
Odds: Spain (-325), Belgium (+250)
Belgium’s commanding win over the United States raised questions about whether that was a peak moment or a sign of late-tournament improvement. Key players like Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku, and Romelu Lukaku impacted games differently—some starting on the bench yet proving dangerous off it. The US defense struggled, which may have inflated Belgium’s dominance.
Spain’s threat has increased as the tournament progressed, though they only scored late against Portugal—a side known for its stingy defense, conceding just three goals across five matches. Belgium’s goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will face a challenge breaking down Spain’s fluid passing, especially with midfielder Amadou Onana sidelined due to injury.
2. France vs. Morocco
Thursday | 4 p.m. ET | TV: Fox
Odds: France (-375), Morocco (+275)
This rematch from last World Cup’s semifinals carries serious weight. Morocco has found its scoring touch this time, netting 10 goals in five games, an improvement over 2022 when they scored six in seven matches and were shut out thrice.
Defensively, Morocco had been rock solid until France’s 2-0 semifinal victory last time. The current French team boasts a sharper attack, led by Kylian Mbappé who trails only Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race. Support from Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele, and Bradley Barcola means opponents can’t focus solely on Mbappé.
Neither Morocco nor France shine defensively now. France’s attack compensates for a midfield not quite up to past standards. Morocco represents a formidable hurdle for Les Bleus.
1. England vs. Norway
Saturday | 5 p.m. ET | TV: Fox
Odds: England (-225), Norway (+175)
England and Norway both carry strong ambitions to win it all. Erling Haaland’s World Cup debut has been phenomenal; he’s scored seven goals despite missing the final group game along with much of Norway’s usual starters. His teammates have contributed four goals, making Norway a force to reckon with when Haaland plays.
England’s defenders know Haaland well. Although familiar with him, even top defenders have struggled to contain him, including Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus and Manchester City teammates John Stones and Marc Guehi. Ezri Konsa also faced him at Aston Villa.
The Three Lions face a shift from Mexico City’s altitude to Miami’s humidity. Their recent win over Mexico was exhausting, especially playing much of the second half with ten men. Norway showed they are unafraid to challenge top teams, outperforming Brazil in their encounter. This clash promises intensity and high stakes.
