The quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup are underway, with six of the eight European teams having qualified, proving that when the going gets tough, Europe always rules. The only two "intruders" are a South American team, defending champion Argentina, and an African team, Morocco, which is no longer a surprise but an absolute reality. Still all on the pitch for now, the four forwards who are competing for the title of top scorer of the tournamentLionel Messi remains in first place with 8 goals, followed by Kylian Mbappé and Erving Haaland with 7 and Harry Kane with 6.
The match between France and Morocco starts on Thursday at 22pm Italian time.A remake of the Qatar 2022 semi-final, won 2-0 by the Blues. Didier Deschamps's team have a particularly good record: six meetings in total, four French victories and two draws, with Morocco still seeking their first victory. The French reached the quarter-finals after first eliminating Sweden (3-0) and then Paraguay (1-0), while the Atlas Lions ousted the Netherlands on penalties and Canada with a resounding 3-0 victory.
Probable lineups
France (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Koundé, Upamecano, Saliba, Digne; Koné, Rabiot; Olise, Dembélé, Douè; Mbappé.
Morocco (4-3-3): Bono; Hakimi, Aguerd, El Yamiq, Mazraoui; Ounahi, Amrabat, Richardson; Ben Seghir, En-Nesyri, Ezzalzouli.
Spain-Belgium
On Friday it will be the turn of Spain and Belgium, two of the most convincing national teams of the tournament. The Red Furies eliminated Portugal and Austria without conceding a goal., confirming their impressive defensive solidity. Belgium, on the other hand, overtook the United States and Senegal thanks to one of the most prolific attacks in the competition. Previous competitive encounters are few but often evenly matched, with Spain slightly ahead overall. Both teams rely on ball possession and technical quality, factors that could produce one of the most spectacular matches of the tournament.
Norway-England
On Saturday the spotlight will be on the surprising Norway, the real revelation of the World Cup after eliminating Brazil in the round of 16Led by goals from Erling Haaland, the Scandinavians face an England side that has overtaken Mexico and continues to chase a world title for the first time since 1966. Previous meetings have England ahead, but Norway arrive with enthusiasm and nothing to lose.
Argentina-Switzerland
The program closes, on the night between Saturday and Sunday in Italy, with the match between Argentina and Switzerland. Argentina prevailed over Egypt in a thrilling round of 16 match, while the Swiss eliminated Colombia on penalties, demonstrating great defensive solidity. Previous World Cup encounters bring to mind the 2014 round of 16, decided in extra time by Ángel Di María. Argentina starts as the favorite, but Switzerland has already shown that it can cause problems for the big teams and will try to achieve another feat.
