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.

🇫🇷 France vs 🇲🇦 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 Mbappé.
• 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: Mbappé vs Hakimi

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

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🇪🇸 Spain vs 🇧🇪 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

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🏴 England vs 🇳🇴 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)

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🇦🇷 Argentina vs 🇨🇭 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

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⭐ Players to Watch

• 🇦🇷 Lionel Messi
• 🇫🇷 Kylian Mbappé
• 🇳🇴 Erling Haaland
• 🏴 Harry Kane
• 🇪🇸 Lamine Yamal
• 🇧🇪 Kevin De Bruyne
• 🇲🇦 Achraf Hakimi

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My predicted semi-finals

• 🇫🇷 France vs 🇪🇸 Spain
• 🏴 England vs 🇦🇷 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

📸 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.

🇫🇷 France vs 🇲🇦 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 Mbappé
• ⭐ Ousmane Dembélé
• ⭐ Achraf Hakimi
• ⭐ Yassine Bounou

What to expect

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

Prediction: 🇫🇷 France 2–1 Morocco

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🇪🇸 Spain vs 🇧🇪 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: 🇪🇸 Spain 1–0 Belgium

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🏴 England vs 🇳🇴 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)

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🇦🇷 Argentina vs 🇨🇭 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 Fernández
• ⭐ Granit Xhaka
• ⭐ Johan Manzambi

Prediction: 🇦🇷 Argentina 2–0 Switzerland

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🌟 Players Most Likely to Shine

Player	Team	Why
Lionel Messi	🇦🇷 Argentina	Tournament's leading scorer and creator
Kylian Mbappé	🇫🇷 France	Pace, finishing, and big-match experience
Erling Haaland	🇳🇴 Norway	Clinical goal scorer
Harry Kane	🏴 England	Leadership and finishing
Lamine Yamal	🇪🇸 Spain	Creative spark and dribbling
Kevin De Bruyne	🇧🇪 Belgium	Elite passing and vision

🏆 Predicted Semi-finals

• 🇫🇷 France vs 🇪🇸 Spain
• 🏴 England vs 🇦🇷 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.

 a visual summary of the 2026 FIFA World Cup up to the quarter-finals.

🏆 The Final 8 Teams

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🔥 Biggest Shock: Norway Eliminates Brazil

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Norway 1–0 Brazil became one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.

🐐 Lionel Messi Leads Argentina

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Messi has been the standout player so far, driving Argentina into the quarter-finals.

⚡ Spain: The Defensive Machine

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Spain knocked out Portugal and have looked extremely solid defensively.

🦁 England Survive a Thriller

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England 3–2 Mexico was one of the most entertaining matches of the knockout stage.

🌍 Morocco Continue Their Fairytale

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After their historic 2022 run, Morocco are back in the quarter-finals again.

📊 Quarter-Final Matchups

🏆 Quarter-finals (9–11 July 2026)

🇫🇷 France

vs

🇲🇦 Morocco

🇪🇸 Spain

vs

🇧🇪 Belgium

🇳🇴 Norway

vs

🏴 England

🇦🇷 Argentina

vs

🇨🇭 Switzerland

⭐ Current Tournament Favourites

Rank	Team	Why
1	🇦🇷 Argentina	Messi in top form
2	🇫🇷 France	Strong attack and experience
3	🇪🇸 Spain	Best defensive record
4	🏴 England	Strong squad depth
5	🇧🇪 Belgium	Excellent recent form

🏅 Top Storylines

• 🐐 Messi chasing a second World Cup title

• ⚡ Erling Haaland carrying Norway to an unprecedented run

• 🦁 England aiming to end decades of World Cup frustration

• 🌍 Morocco trying to become the first African team ever to reach a World Cup final

• 🔒 Spain still looking like the tournament’s most balanced team

🎯 My Prediction (based on current form)

Likely Final

🇦🇷 Argentina

vs

🇪🇸 Spain

Current favourite: 🇦🇷 Argentina

If Argentina win, Messi would become one of the very few players in history to win multiple World Cups as the central star of his team.

That’s the World Cup story so far in one picture-heavy snapshot. 📸⚽

Argentina 2–0 Austria: Messi Leads Argentina into the Knockout Stage

Argentina produced another commanding performance at the FIFA World Cup 2026, defeating Austria 2-0 in a crucial Group J encounter on 22 June 2026. The victory secured Argentina's place in the knockout stage and underlined their credentials as one of the tournament favourites.

The match began with Austria displaying impressive defensive discipline and determination. Argentina controlled possession from the outset, patiently probing for openings while Austria relied on quick counter-attacks to threaten the South American giants.

The breakthrough arrived in the 38th minute when captain Lionel Messi once again demonstrated his world-class quality. Receiving the ball near the edge of the penalty area, Messi created space before finishing clinically to give Argentina a deserved lead.

Austria emerged with renewed energy after the interval and enjoyed some promising moments. However, Argentina's defence remained organised and composed, preventing Austria from creating any clear-cut scoring opportunities.

As the match entered stoppage time and Austria pushed forward in search of an equaliser, Argentina struck again. Messi completed his brace with a superb finish in the dying moments, sealing a 2-0 victory and sending Argentine supporters into celebration.

The win leaves Argentina firmly in control of Group J and extends their impressive run in the tournament. Austria, despite the defeat, earned praise for their fighting spirit and disciplined approach but were ultimately undone by the brilliance of Messi.

Key Performers

Lionel Messi (Argentina) – Two goals, outstanding leadership, and another match-winning display.

Argentina Defence – Solid throughout the match and rarely troubled by Austrian attacks.

Austria Midfield – Worked tirelessly and competed well against one of the strongest teams in the competition.

Match Statistics

Final Score: Argentina 2-0 Austria

Goalscorers:

• Lionel Messi (38')

• Lionel Messi (90+5')

Man of the Match: Lionel Messi

Argentina's blend of experience, tactical discipline, and attacking quality makes them one of the leading contenders for the World Cup title. If Messi continues in this form, the defending champions will be extremely difficult to stop.