Norway, Morocco reach World Cup quarter-finals for first time

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has seen two nations, Norway and Morocco, achieve historic milestones by qualifying for the quarter-finals for the first time. These achievements mark significant moments in the footballing histories of both countries.

Norway secured their place in the last eight by pulling off one of the tournament's biggest upsets, defeating five-time champions Brazil 2-1 in a dramatic Round of 16 match. This victory represents Norway's deepest-ever run in the World Cup and caps off a remarkable campaign.

Morocco also reached a historic milestone, cruising to a decisive 3-0 victory over Canada in their Round of 16 fixture. This win propels the North African nation into the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time, underscoring their growing status as a formidable force in international football.

Switzerland also advanced to the quarter-finals, overcoming Colombia on penalties after a goalless draw. However, unlike Norway and Morocco, Switzerland has reached this stage before, having last done so in 1954.

The complete quarter-final lineup now features a mix of traditional football powerhouses and these surprising debutants, with Norway and Morocco standing out as the unexpected success stories of the current tournament.