2026 FIFA World Cup Quarterfinal: France-Morocco is 2022 Semifinal Rematch

Title race tightens

The latest coverage shifts from results to projections, because the tournament has reached the final eight. France, Morocco, Spain, Belgium, Norway, England, Argentina, and Switzerland are the teams still alive, and the quarterfinal matchups will sharply narrow the field.

France’s status as a favorite appears across multiple previews, but the tournament remains unpredictable because several remaining sides are in strong form and some are chasing a first-ever title.

Key quarterfinal test

France’s opener against Morocco is being treated as a key test of whether the French can convert status into momentum. Morocco’s recent tournament pedigree makes this more than a routine favorite-versus-underdog matchup, and the winner will be in position to reach the final with two more strong performances.

Bracket pressure

Argentina’s comeback win has also kept them central to the title debate, while Spain and Belgium sit on the same side of the bracket and could shape the other semifinal route. The remaining rounds will likely be defined less by reputation and more by who handles the pressure of knockout football best.