The 2026 North America World Cup is set to enter the quarterfinals, determining which teams will advance to the semifinals. France will face Morocco, Spain will take on Belgium, Norway will compete against England, and the final spot will be decided between the winners of Argentina vs. Egypt and Switzerland vs. Colombia.
This quarterfinal round features some of the world's top stars and strong championship contenders, leading soccer fans to label it as a "de facto final match-up."
The first match will kick off on July 10 at 5 a.m. KST, with France going head-to-head against Morocco for a spot in the semifinals.
France, led by Kylian Mbappe, remains a formidable title contender with a powerful offense. Morocco aims to replicate its remarkable run to the semifinals in the 2022 Qatar World Cup. While France has the edge in individual skill, Morocco's solid defense and counterattacks could be game-changers.
On July 11 at 4 a.m., one of the most anticipated matches of the quarterfinals will see Spain face Belgium.
Spain, led by rising star Lamine Yamal, will clash with Belgium, which is making a final push with its golden generation. The tactical battle between Spain's possession-based play and Belgium's preference for quick counterattacks will be a key point of interest.
On July 12 at 6 a.m., Norway, featuring Erling Haaland, will take on England.
Haaland, one of the tournament's top scorers, will be under scrutiny as he attempts to penetrate England's defense. Meanwhile, England will rely on its deep roster and stable organization in its quest for the title. Experts suggest that Haaland's individual brilliance could be pivotal in determining the outcome.
Later that day at 10 a.m., the final semifinalist will be determined.
The winner of the Argentina vs. Egypt match will face the winner of the Switzerland vs. Colombia match. Fans are particularly focused on Lionel Messi's potential last World Cup title challenge.
While Argentina's advancement to the quarterfinals is not yet confirmed, the possibility of the "soccer god" Messi gracing the semifinals is one of the tournament's biggest talking points.
Soccer fans have expressed their hopes, saying, "I want to see Messi's last dance for longer," "I believe Messi will shine in a big match again," and "The World Cup is more exciting with Messi on the field."
Soccer analysts currently view France and Spain as the teams with the highest chances of winning.
France is praised for its balanced attack and defense centered around Mbappe, while Spain is recognized for its young players' growth and stable organization. England is also considered a strong contender, and Norway, led by Haaland, is seen as a major dark horse in the tournament.
Notably, this quarterfinal round will showcase some of the world's best strikers.
With Kylian Mbappe (France), Lamine Yamal (Spain), Erling Haaland (Norway), and Lionel Messi (Argentina) all in action, this quarterfinal is being dubbed a "war of stars."
This World Cup presents an unmissable schedule for general viewers.
As championship contenders face off, each match is expected to deliver a level of tension akin to a final.
Additionally, interest is growing regarding the winning probabilities for each match.
Current evaluations from soccer analytics firms and betting markets suggest that France is favored to win against Morocco, with a victory probability estimated at 75-80%. France's strong offense, led by Mbappe, and stable roster give them an advantage, although Morocco, considered a major dark horse, could create another upset.
The match between Spain and Belgium is expected to be closely contested, with experts estimating Spain's chances of winning at around 60-65%. However, Belgium is also seen as a team with a solid chance of victory. The clash between Spain's organized play and Belgium's experience is likely to make this one of the quarterfinals' most thrilling encounters.
The England vs. Norway match is regarded as the most unpredictable of the quarterfinals. England is slightly favored with a 55-60% chance of winning, but Norway, boasting the world-class goal-scorer Haaland, has the potential to change the game's dynamics at any moment. Haaland's performance against England's defense will be a crucial factor.
The final quarterfinal matchup is yet to be determined. The winner of the Argentina vs. Egypt match will face the winner of the Switzerland vs. Colombia match. Fans are particularly focused on whether Messi will lead Argentina to the quarterfinals. If Argentina advances, Messi will continue to compete for the title alongside other global superstars like Mbappe, Haaland, and Lamine Yamal, raising questions about whether the "soccer god" can secure his last World Cup victory.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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