World Cup Quarterfinals: Teams and Key Predictions

The World Cup has reached its climax with only eight teams left. Each team faces the prospect of just two more wins to make it to the final after a month of incredible football.

While the three co-hosts have exited the competition, defending champions Argentina remain in the running following their remarkable comeback victory in the last 16. Erling Haaland has solidified his status as a global superstar by leading Norway into the quarterfinals, where he will face off against Harry Kane’s England in Miami. Haaland looks to outpace Messi in the race for the golden boot, while Messi leads with eight goals, one ahead of Haaland and Kylian Mbappe. France, with Mbappe, will face Morocco.

Here’s the full quarterfinal bracket and our writers’ predictions on the best games and winners of the four matches, as well as their picks for best players of the round of 16 and overlooked stars.

The most impressive team performance in the round of 16 was…

• Lukas Weese: England. Winning in the Azteca against Mexico with only 10 players for the last 30 minutes was incredible.
• Phil Hay: Belgium’s reaction to the chaos surrounding Folarin Balogun, defeating the USMNT decisively was impressive.
• Sam Lee: Norway knocking out Brazil marked their competence beyond just having Haaland up front.
• Jack Pitt-Brooke: England showed new elements to their game with their strategic performance in Mexico City.
• Carl Anka: Belgium’s dismantling of USMNT felt like karmic retribution given FIFA’s controversial decisions.
• Simon Hughes: Belgium’s victory in Seattle, overcoming several obstacles, should be seen as the tournament highlight.

Credit went to Norway for handling high pressure against Brazil and to Morocco for a professional win against Canada. Argentina displayed unity when faced with elimination, but Norway showed teamwork and strategy. Meanwhile, Belgium thrived amid controversies.

The most impressive individual performance was…

• Lukas Weese: Erling Haaland. His precise header and powerful strike were incredible.
• Phil Hay: Jude Bellingham. His goals and perseverance under pressure at the Azteca were exemplary.
• Jack Pitt-Brooke: Haaland’s performance for Norway was crucial to their success.
• Sam Lee: Haaland showed outstanding capability against Brazil, beyond what was expected.
• Simon Hughes: Haaland’s performance was unmatched and essential to Norway’s chances.
• Carl Anka: Jude Bellingham demonstrated exceptional awareness and skill under intense conditions.

Bellingham and Haaland were standout players. Bellingham’s urgency and tactical excellence earned accolades. Haaland’s presence was significant but Bellingham provided England critical support and leadership.

The best player no one is really talking about…

• Lukas Weese: Orjan Nyland’s remarkable goalkeeping against Brazil was vital for Norway.
• Phil Hay: Anthony Gordon, praised for his consistent impact for England.
• Carl Anka: Dayot Upamecano for his reliable defense for France.
• Jack Pitt-Brooke: Jordan Pickford excels in tournament settings for England.
• Simon Hughes: Sander Berge’s consistent presence for Norway was notable.
• Thom Harris: Leandro Trossard represented Belgium’s brightest attacking prospect.

Nyland was lauded for his goalkeeping, and Gordon praised for his contribution to England. Players like Upamecano, Pickford, and Berge garnered attention for their dependable performances.

The quarterfinal I’m most looking forward to is…

• Lukas Weese: France vs. Morocco, promising historical depth and intense rivalry.
• Phil Hay: Norway vs. England.
• Sam Lee: Norway vs. England promises excitement.
• Simon Hughes: France vs. Morocco rekindles passion from past clashes.
• Carl Anka: France vs. Morocco offers a thrilling showdown between defensive strength and offensive prowess.
• Jack Pitt-Brooke: Spain vs. Belgium, revealing Spain’s true abilities.

England vs. Norway was a popular choice for the quarterfinal clash. France vs. Morocco attracts interest due to historical connotations and contrasting playing styles.

The winners of the four games will be…

• Lukas Weese: France, Spain, England, Argentina.
• Phil Hay: France, Spain, England, Argentina.
• Jack Pitt-Brooke: France, Spain, England, Argentina.
• Simon Hughes: France, Spain, England, Argentina.
• Carl Anka: France, Belgium, Norway, Argentina.
• Thom Harris: France, Spain, England, Argentina.

Predictions favor France, Spain, England, and Argentina advancing to the semifinals based on their performances and historical contexts.

The moment that made me smile most so far…

• Lukas Weese: Harry Kane’s post-match interviews resonated with joy.
• Phil Hay: Haaland’s goal for Norway entertained with spectacle.
• Jack Pitt-Brooke: Dan Burn’s diving header fascinated with unexpected execution.
• Carl Anka: Javier Aguirre’s unique expressions brought levity.
• Simon Hughes: Lionel Scaloni’s disbelief at Argentina’s success was emotive.
• Thom Harris: Yassine Bounou’s unconventional goalkeeping offered amusement.

Kane’s exuberance in interviews and the quirky moments during matches like Dan Burn’s clearance accepted universal acknowledgement.

And are we still backing France to win it all?

• Lukas Weese: Yes, France stands as favorites based on their form.
• Phil Hay: France shows consistent strength but Spain could contest.
• Sam Lee: Morocco provides an unpredictable element but France prevails.
• Simon Hughes: France appears resolute but Spain’s defensive prowess is impressive.
• Jack Pitt-Brooke: France faces Spain, offering tactical insights.
• Carl Anka: France’s composition remains unparalleled.

France remains strong contenders for World Cup glory, supported by consistent performance. However, Spain’s solid defense stirs potential upset discussions in semifinal contexts.

Quarterfinal fixtures provide captivating matchups:

• July 9 France vs Morocco at Gillette Stadium (Boston) — 1pm PT, 4pm ET, 9pm BST
• July 10 Spain vs Belgium at SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles) — 12pm PT, 3pm ET, 8pm BST
• July 11 Norway vs England at Hard Rock Stadium (Miami) — 2pm PT, 5pm ET, 10pm BST
• July 11 Argentina vs Switzerland at Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City) — 6pm PT, 9pm ET, 2am BST (July 12)