The quarterfinal stage of the tournament brings together eight nations, each vying for a place in the semifinals and, ultimately, the championship match.
Betting markets currently list France as the clear favorite, priced just under 2‑1, while Spain and Argentina sit at 7‑2 and England at 9‑2, reflecting expectations of a high‑scoring showdown.
France’s Path to the Semifinals
France entered the knockout rounds after a dominant group phase in which they outscored opponents 10‑2, a performance that has cemented their status as the tournament’s most potent attacking force.
Their next test comes against Morocco, a side that has surprised many with its disciplined defense, but French analysts expect a comfortable progression.
Spain and Argentina Eye Advancement
Spain, fresh from a convincing round‑of‑32 display, is favored to overcome Belgium, a team that has relied on tactical resilience to stay alive.
Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, who sits atop the tournament’s scoring charts with eight goals this year and a World Cup record of 21, faces Switzerland, a side that has advanced through a pragmatic, defense‑first approach.
Norway’s Historic Underdog Run
Among the surprise packages, Norway has become the tournament’s first‑time quarterfinalist, driven by the explosive talent of Erling Haaland, who has drawn comparisons to the sport’s modern greats.
England, despite being a slight favorite over Norway, will have to navigate the loss of midfielder Jordan Henderson, who was forced out with an injury, adding a layer of uncertainty to their campaign.
Semifinal Venues
The semifinal fixtures are scheduled for Arlington, Texas, and Atlanta, Georgia, venues that will host the next round of high‑stakes matches before the championship is decided.
Final Set for New Jersey
The tournament’s climax will take place on Sunday, July 19, in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where the two semifinal winners will meet in front of a global audience.
Beyond the on‑field action, the event underscores the growing popularity of soccer in the United States, with matches being staged across diverse markets including Inglewood, California; Kansas City, Missouri; and Miami Gardens, Florida.