Soccer

Quarterfinal Showdowns Set for U.S. Venues as Favorites and Underdogs Collide

France, Spain, Argentina and England lead the betting charts while Norway eyes a surprise, with stars like Mbappé, Messi and Haaland poised to shape the tournament.

Quarterfinal Landscape

The knockout stage of the tournament will be played in seven U.S. cities, from Foxborough’s Gillette Stadium to East Rutherford’s MetLife Arena, giving fans a coast‑to‑coast feast of football.

France, Spain, Argentina and England sit at the top of the draw, each carrying the weight of recent form and high expectations as they prepare to meet their opponents.

Betting Favorites

Bookmakers have priced France as the clear favorite, hovering just under 2‑1, while Spain and Argentina sit at 7‑2 and England at 9‑2, reflecting a consensus that the traditional powerhouses are the most likely to advance.

Underdog Spotlight

Norway has surprised many by reaching the quarterfinals for the first time, driven by the physical presence and goal‑scoring prowess of Erling Haaland, who has become the tournament’s most talked‑about newcomer.

Across the field, Kylian Mbappé continues to dazzle with his speed and finishing, Lionel Messi adds his wealth of experience and a record‑breaking goal tally, and Jordan Henderson’s absence through injury leaves a void in England’s midfield that could shape the dynamics of their clash with Norway. The lineup also features midfielders Mikel Merino and forward Folarin Balogun, adding depth to squads vying for semifinal spots.

Broadcast and Final Venues

All matches will be aired on Fox, Peacock and Telemundo, and the semifinals are slated for Texas and New Jersey before the championship decider takes place in the same venues, ensuring a high‑stakes finale under the bright lights of American stadiums.

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