​The 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals are upon us, pitting the last eight teams in a bid to claim world football’s ultimate prize. This stage feels like the moment when almost anything becomes possible, with each side just two wins away from a place in the final. Ahead of the quarter-final clashes, we’ve examined how bookmakers rank the favourites to lift the trophy.
Switzerland progressed to this point by overcoming Colombia on penalties, after enduring three consecutive World Cup campaigns without advancing past the last 16. Their run marks only the second time they’ve reached the quarter-finals, and their first appearance at this stage since 1954, though they have reached the European Championship knockout rounds in each of the past two tournaments. They enter the tie as outsiders, yet capable of causing an upset against Argentina.
Belgium’s so-called Golden Generation, featuring stars such as Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku, many of whom helped shape a beloved but ultimately silverware-free era, remain the backbone as a new wave of talent rises. The group-phase struggles have given way to confidence after a 4-1 rout of co-hosts the United States in the last 16, reviving belief that this squad can still contend for glory.
The final African hopefuls, Morocco, are bidding to reach the semi-finals for a second consecutive World Cup. No African nation had ever broken into the final four before their 2022 run, and they sit on the verge again as AFCON winners with one win needed to equal that extraordinary feat. Yet their path will be tough, facing favorites France, who ended Morocco’s 2022 campaign.
Norway have returned to the World Cup stage for the first time this century and are determined to leave their mark. The Norwegians have reached the quarter-finals for the first time in their history, delivering a knockout win over Brazil in the previous round, a testament to the team’s growing strength.
Dubbed dark horses before the tournament, Erling Haaland and his teammates have indeed lived up to that billing, adding a new chapter to their rising status on the world stage.
Can England finally end a six-decade wait for major tournament success? The Three Lions’ long pursuit of silverware is well documented, with recent campaigns marked by heartbreak and near-misses. They showed resilience to beat Mexico at the Azteca, yet their flaws have been evident at various points this summer, threatening to derail their ambitious bid.
Only two nations have ever won back-to-back World Cups—the great Brazil in 1958 and 1962—underlining the scale of Argentina’s challenge as they chase a repeat triumph this year. The world champions have reached the quarter-finals, led by Lionel Messi, whose form has been nothing short of magical, including eight goals to lead the Golden Boot race and a dramatic comeback against Egypt that showcased their fighting spirit.
Spain rallied after a stumble in the opener, drawing 0-0 with Cape Verde, and have since been in dominant form. The European champions have been immaculate at the North American venue, conceding zero goals across five straight matches with five clean sheets, a sign of their defensive solidity and measured progression.
France enter the quarter-finals with a renewed sense of purpose and still among the leading contenders, their performances in the group stage suggesting they remain one of the most complete teams in the tournament. As the competition narrows, the contest for glory remains wide open, and the excitement of the quarter-finals is a testament to the depth and drama of this World Cup.