Thursday, July 9, 2026

what to expect in the world cup 2026 as it enters the last leg

The quarter-finals begin with just eight teams left, and every match has a compelling storyline. This stage often decides the true title favorites.

πŸ‡«πŸ‡· France vs πŸ‡²πŸ‡¦ Morocco (9 July)

What to expect

  • A rematch of the memorable 2022 World Cup semi-final.
  • France will look to dominate possession and rely on the pace and finishing of Kylian MbappΓ©.
  • Morocco will defend compactly and try to hit France on the counterattack through Achraf Hakimi and quick transitions.
  • This could be a tight, low-scoring contest.

Key battle: MbappΓ© vs Hakimi

Prediction: France 2–1 Morocco (after a close game)


πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Έ Spain vs πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Belgium (10 July)

What to expect

  • Spain have been one of the tournament's strongest defensive teams.
  • Belgium have rediscovered their attacking form and scored four goals in the Round of 16.
  • Spain's patient passing game will be tested by Belgium's physicality and quick breaks.

Key battle: Rodri vs Kevin De Bruyne

Prediction: Spain 1–0 Belgium


🏴 England vs πŸ‡³πŸ‡΄ Norway (11 July)

What to expect

  • England's experience meets Norway's fearless attack.
  • Erling Haaland has been in outstanding form, while Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham lead England.
  • Expect an open game with plenty of chances.

Key battle: Haaland vs England's defence

Prediction: England 2–1 Norway (possibly after extra time)


πŸ‡¦πŸ‡· Argentina vs πŸ‡¨πŸ‡­ Switzerland (11 July)

What to expect

  • Argentina remain one of the favourites with Lionel Messi leading the tournament in goals.
  • Switzerland are organised, disciplined, and difficult to break down.
  • Argentina are likely to control possession, while Switzerland will look for opportunities from set pieces and counterattacks.

Key battle: Messi vs Granit Xhaka

Prediction: Argentina 2–0 Switzerland


⭐ Players to Watch

  • πŸ‡¦πŸ‡· Lionel Messi
  • πŸ‡«πŸ‡· Kylian MbappΓ©
  • πŸ‡³πŸ‡΄ Erling Haaland
  • 🏴 Harry Kane
  • πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Έ Lamine Yamal
  • πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Kevin De Bruyne
  • πŸ‡²πŸ‡¦ Achraf Hakimi

My predicted semi-finals

  • πŸ‡«πŸ‡· France vs πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Έ Spain
  • 🏴 England vs πŸ‡¦πŸ‡· Argentina

If these predictions come true, the semi-finals would feature four of the world's biggest football powers, setting up the possibility of an Argentina vs France or Argentina vs Spain final.

WITH PICTURES

πŸ“Έ 2026 FIFA World Cup Quarter-Finals – What to Expect

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The quarter-finals feature a mix of football giants and surprise contenders. Every match has its own story, tactical battle, and superstar players.

πŸ‡«πŸ‡· France vs πŸ‡²πŸ‡¦ Morocco (9 July)

Storyline

  • A repeat of the memorable 2022 World Cup semi-final.
  • France bring one of the tournament's most dangerous attacks.
  • Morocco are aiming to become the first African nation to reach another World Cup semi-final after their remarkable run.

Players to watch

  • ⭐ Kylian MbappΓ©
  • ⭐ Ousmane DembΓ©lΓ©
  • ⭐ Achraf Hakimi
  • ⭐ Yassine Bounou

What to expect

  • France controlling possession.
  • Morocco defending deep and attacking on the counter.
  • A fast, physical contest.

Prediction: πŸ‡«πŸ‡· France 2–1 Morocco


πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Έ Spain vs πŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ Belgium (10 July)

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Storyline

  • Spain have looked exceptionally organized in defence.
  • Belgium arrive full of confidence after an emphatic Round of 16 victory.

Players to watch

  • ⭐ Lamine Yamal
  • ⭐ Rodri
  • ⭐ Kevin De Bruyne
  • ⭐ Charles De Ketelaere

What to expect

  • Spain's patient passing.
  • Belgium's direct counterattacks.
  • A tactical battle decided by midfield control.

Prediction: πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Έ Spain 1–0 Belgium


🏴 England vs πŸ‡³πŸ‡΄ Norway (11 July)

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Storyline

  • England's tournament experience meets Norway's fearless attack.
  • Norway are enjoying their best-ever World Cup run.
  • Erling Haaland has been one of the tournament's standout scorers.

Players to watch

  • ⭐ Harry Kane
  • ⭐ Jude Bellingham
  • ⭐ Erling Haaland
  • ⭐ Martin Ødegaard

What to expect

  • Plenty of goals.
  • Physical football.
  • One of the most entertaining quarter-finals.

Prediction: 🏴 England 2–1 Norway (after extra time)


πŸ‡¦πŸ‡· Argentina vs πŸ‡¨πŸ‡­ Switzerland (11 July)

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Storyline

  • Lionel Messi continues his pursuit of another World Cup title.
  • Switzerland have quietly become one of the tournament's toughest teams to beat.
  • Argentina possess more attacking quality, but Switzerland are disciplined and dangerous from set pieces.

Players to watch

  • ⭐ Lionel Messi
  • ⭐ Enzo FernΓ‘ndez
  • ⭐ Granit Xhaka
  • ⭐ Johan Manzambi

Prediction: πŸ‡¦πŸ‡· Argentina 2–0 Switzerland


🌟 Players Most Likely to Shine

PlayerTeamWhy
Lionel MessiπŸ‡¦πŸ‡· ArgentinaTournament's leading scorer and creator
Kylian MbappΓ©πŸ‡«πŸ‡· FrancePace, finishing, and big-match experience
Erling HaalandπŸ‡³πŸ‡΄ NorwayClinical goal scorer
Harry Kane🏴 EnglandLeadership and finishing
Lamine YamalπŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Έ SpainCreative spark and dribbling
Kevin De BruyneπŸ‡§πŸ‡ͺ BelgiumElite passing and vision

πŸ† Predicted Semi-finals

  • πŸ‡«πŸ‡· France vs πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡Έ Spain
  • 🏴 England vs πŸ‡¦πŸ‡· Argentina

If those predictions hold, fans could be treated to a blockbuster finish, with the possibility of an Argentina vs France or Argentina vs Spain final.

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