Eight teams remain in the World Cup, each just two wins from reaching the final after a month of thrilling matches at sport’s premier event. The co-hosts have exited, but defending champions Argentina continue their campaign following an exceptional comeback in the last 16. Erling Haaland has ascended to global superstar status by leading Norway to the quarterfinals. He will face England’s Harry Kane in Miami, competing for a place in the semifinal and vying with Messi for the golden boot. Messi leads with eight goals, only one ahead of Haaland and France’s Kylian Mbappe, who next face Morocco.
This segment offers the complete quarterfinal bracket and insights from our writers on their predictions, including standout games, winning teams, and notable players from the round of 16.
Notable Team Performances
Our writers reflected on several impressive performances in the round of 16:
Lukas Weese: England. England overcame Mexico at the Azteca with only 10 players for the last 30 minutes.
Phil Hay: Belgium excelled against the USMNT amid tumult surrounding Folarin Balogun.
Sam Lee: Norway ousted Brazil, evidencing their readiness and strategy.
Jack Pitt-Brooke: England exemplified adaptability at Azteca, transitioning from strategic play to defensive robustness.
Carl Anka: Belgium’s victory over USMNT felt like karmic retribution after the Balogun fiasco.
Simon Hughes: Belgium redeemed themselves by shaking off initial struggles and overcoming the USMNT under challenging circumstances.
Thom Harris: Morocco’s win against Canada, highlighting their ongoing resilience and defensive strength.
James Horncastle: Belgium’s tactical brilliance against the US, following bold decisions by Rudi Garcia.
Laurie Whitwell: Norway displayed unity by limiting Brazil’s possession to a historic low.
Austin Green: Belgium’s strategic maneuvering convinced many of their tactical superiority.
Greg O’Keeffe: England’s perseverance and resilience at Azteca were commendable.
Felipe Cardenas: England’s resolve impressed, yet Belgium’s dominance was remarkable.
Stu James: Belgium, Norway, and England each demonstrated strengths. Norway’s readiness against Brazil was exceptional.
Laura Williamson: England’s effort and execution under duress at Azteca were worth the early wake-up call.
Standout Individual Performances
Weese: Erling Haaland. His skill is awe-inspiring, ranging from strategic headers to explosive kicks.
Hay: Jude Bellingham. Bellingham thrived amid pressure in Azteca, combining goals with relentless effort.
Pitt-Brooke: Haaland’s emotional connection with his team has driven his standout performances.
Lee: Haaland’s mastery against Brazil surprised even seasoned observers of his talents.
Hughes: Haaland’s exceptional abilities suggest Norway’s potential World Cup triumph.
Anka: Bellingham’s decisive contributions in Azteca reflect his importance for England.
Harris: Bellingham balanced offensive and defensive efforts remarkably well.
Horncastle: Charles de Ketelaere had a critical role in Belgium’s success.
Whitwell: Bellingham’s versatile gameplay showcased his prowess.
Green: Jordan Pickford’s crucial saves under pressure were vital for England’s victory.
O’Keeffe: Haaland’s efficiency in defeating Brazil displayed his technical excellence.
Cardenas: Bellingham received accolades for his outstanding performance.
James: Haaland’s exploits included key movements and goals against Brazil.
Williamson: Bellingham’s sheer determination and strategic prowess altered game narratives.
Underrated Players
Weese: Orjan Nyland’s goalkeeping for Norway was exceptional against Brazil.
Hay: Anthony Gordon’s impactful play for England deserves recognition.
Anka: Dayot Upamecano’s contributions to France have improved his standing.
Pitt-Brooke: Jordan Pickford’s reliable goalkeeping makes him a strong tournament performer.
Lee: Aymeric Laporte’s defensive skills are integral to Spain’s success.
Hughes: Sander Berge’s consistency and positional discipline warrant attention.
Harris: Leandro Trossard has been an attacking catalyst for Belgium.
Horncastle: Ferran Torres brings elegance and skill to the tournament.
Whitwell: Haissem Hassan’s assist prowess for Egypt was exemplary.
O’Keeffe: Torbjorn Heggem’s contributions are vital to Norway’s defense.
Green: Mostafa Shobeir demonstrated consistent excellence as Egypt’s goalkeeper.
Cardenas: Gustavo Puerta’s adaptability and gameplay skills stand out for Colombia.
James: Patrick Berg’s midfield display for Norway was commendable.
Williamson: Lautaro Martinez’s strategic play for Argentina adds depth beyond Messi.
Quarterfinal Predictions
Our contributors shared their expectations and excitement for the upcoming matches:
Weese: Anticipates excellence in France vs Morocco.
Hay: Enthusiastically awaits Norway vs England.
Lee: Looks forward to England facing Norway.
Hughes: Anticipates a competitive France versus Morocco.
Anka: Prefers France vs Morocco for its historical significance.
Harris: Would have preferred Colombia against Argentina.
Horncastle: Expects skillful midfield gameplay in France vs Morocco.
Whitwell: Excited for the Norway vs England match atmosphere.
Green: Joins colleagues in anticipation of Norway vs England.
O’Keeffe: Looks forward to Norway challenging England.
Pitt-Brooke: Curious about Spain’s competitiveness against Belgium.
James: Sees Norway vs England as a compelling contest.
Williamson: Rates France vs Morocco highly.
Expected Quarterfinal Winners
Our panel largely agreed on anticipated victors:
Weese: France, Spain, England, Argentina.
Hay: France, Spain, England, Argentina.
Lee: Morocco, Spain, England, Argentina.
Pitt-Brooke: France, Spain, England, Argentina.
Hughes: France, Spain, England, Argentina.
Anka: France, Belgium, Norway, Argentina.
Harris: France, Spain, England, Argentina.
Horncastle: France, Spain, Norway, Argentina.
Whitwell: France, Spain, England, Argentina.
Green: France, Spain, England, Argentina.
O’Keeffe: France, Spain, England, Argentina.
Cardenas: France, Belgium, England, Argentina.
James: France, Spain, England, Argentina.
Williamson: France, Spain, England, Argentina.
Memorable Moments
Weese: Harry Kane’s post-match interview resonated emotionally.
Hay: Haaland’s casual yet decisive goals stood out.
Pitt-Brooke: Dan Burn’s defensive clearances were impressive.
Lee: Observed the unfolding drama surrounding Balogun’s situation.
Anka: Mexico coach Javier Aguirre added humor amid tension.
Harris: Scaloni’s disbelief at Argentina’s late goals highlighted their unexpected win.
Hughes: Noted the surprising smile-inducing collapse of the USMNT against Belgium.
Whitwell: Bounou’s unpredictable penalty saves amused audiences.
Green: Balogun’s professionalism in adversity revealed sportsmanship.
O’Keeffe: Haaland’s playful restraint in goal celebrations entertained.
Cardenas: Enjoyed the communal celebrations between English and Mexican fans.
James: Multiple moments, including Haaland’s reactions and the charm of Aguirre, stood out.
Williamson: Kane’s charming interview epitomized World Cup spirit.
Back to France for the Championship
Our experts shared varied insights on France’s prospects:
Weese: Believes France’s current form positions them as favorites.
Hay: Considers Spain a significant challenge for France.
Pitt-Brooke: Identifies Spain’s tactical sophistication as a potential hurdle.
Hughes: Notes Spain’s defensive excellence amid championship discussions.
Anka: Ponders new dynamics and challenges for France.
Harris: Anticipates continued success for France with balanced gameplay.
Whitwell: France’s adaptability puts them ahead in diverse matchups.
Green: Considers France-Spain semifinal decisive.
O’Keeffe: Assumes France’s readiness amid competitive parity.
Cardenas: Views France as remaining heavy favorites.
James: France’s attacking options suggest championship readiness.
Williamson: Anticipates a strong showing from Morocco amid championship talk.
Quarterfinal Fixtures
- 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
- Argentina vs Switzerland at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City — 6pm PT, 9pm ET, 2am BST (July 12)