​This expanded World Cup has already delivered some truly epic matches, and the exciting news is that the quarter-final lineup is genuinely compelling. Six European nations are joined by one team from Africa and one from South America, all chasing a place within a single victory of the final in four gripping ties that begin on Thursday. Each of the four ties promises plenty of intrigue, and happily, all except the last one kicks off at a convenient time for viewers.
So, what can we expect from the last eight? Here is your guide to the quarter-finals.
France vs Morocco, Atlanta Stadium, Thursday 21:00 BST
Key things to watch: Morocco’s run to the last four in Qatar stunned many, but this North African side in the United States appears far more than just a resilient underdog. In their recent match against Canada, the Africa Cup of Nations champions (with Senegal awaiting an appeal over January’s controversial final) started a lineup that featured only four players who also started the semi-final loss to France four years earlier. They play with pace and swagger, and they will pose France’s sternest test yet.
For the 2022 runners-up, only three members of the squad that faced Morocco in that 2022 semi-final started in Saturday’s win over Paraguay. The squad has benefited from the emergence of centre-back William Saliba and creative midfielder Michael Olise, who have refreshed Didier Deschamps’ selection since that period. Kylian Mbappe remains the headline act and will press on with his pursuit of both the Golden Boot and the title of all-time top scorer in World Cup tournaments, aiming to surpass Lionel Messi.
Key stats: Half of France’s World Cup defeats this century have come at the hands of African teams (three of six). Morocco have gone 34 matches unbeaten, but they have never beaten France, who have claimed seven consecutive wins and 11 victories in their past 12 meetings.
How to follow: Listen to the full BBC Radio 5 Live commentary on BBC Sounds and follow live text updates on the BBC Sport website and app.
Spain vs Belgium, Los Angeles Stadium, Friday 20:00 BST
What to watch: Belgium have been prolific in this tournament, scoring 13 goals—the third-highest tally—behind Argentina and France. They have shown attacking appetite against New Zealand, Senegal, and the United States in their last three games. Romelu Lukaku, perhaps not at his leanest, has nonetheless found the net three times as a substitute at an average of one every 67 minutes, while Leandro Trossard has produced two goals and two assists for Belgium.
Spain, by contrast, will present a significantly sterner test. They have yet to concede a goal in this tournament, and their six straight clean sheets—dating back to their final group game at the 2022 finals—mark the longest such sequence in World Cup history. In their matches so far, their opponents’ expected goals against (xGA) has averaged just 0.3 per game—the lowest figure recorded since the metric began in 1966.
Key stats: Under Luis de la Fuente, Spain have progressed from all six of their knockout ties in World Cup or European Championship play. This is their first quarter-final appearance in a bid for better SEO and longer-term clarity in their world-stage narrative.
Follow options: Stay with BBC coverage for live updates and expert analysis, including commentary and match-day features.