World Cup quarterfinals are upon us. Here's what you need to know

The 2026 World Cup is entering its decisive phase, with only eight teams remaining in contention for the title. The quarterfinals are set to begin on Friday, July 10, marking the final stretch towards crowning a champion.

The first quarterfinal pits defending champions France against Morocco. France has showcased a dominant offensive performance throughout the tournament, led by stars like Kylian Mbappe. While Morocco is expected to present a tougher challenge than France's previous opponent, Paraguay, they are considered underdogs. The winner of this match will advance to face the victor of the Spain vs. Belgium game.

Spain and Belgium will compete in the second quarterfinal. Initially considered underdogs, Belgium impressed with a commanding 4-1 victory over the United States in the round of 16. Spain, conversely, had a more labored 1-0 win against Portugal, despite looking strong earlier in the tournament. This match features a clash of styles, with Spain likely to focus on possession and Belgium potentially adopting a more direct approach.

The third quarterfinal features Norway against England. Norway reached this stage for the first time, powered by Erling Haaland's consistent goal-scoring. England advanced after a hard-fought victory, playing with ten men for the final half-hour of their match against Mexico. The confidence gained from that resilient performance could prove significant as they face a Norwegian side that has also shown impressive form.