​With the United States’ deflating exit from the World Cup earlier this week after its defeat to Belgium, Americans may feel like there’s no one left to cheer for in the tournament. But that isn’t true. It’s time to settle in, switch on the TV, and pick another team to support. Only eight teams remain as the quarterfinals begin on Thursday, July 9, and less than two weeks remain until the final on July 19.
Whether it’s an appealing player, an engaging storyline, or simply a random spark, there are several teams still alive that Americans can root for for the rest of the World Cup.
Norway is fun. Erling Haaland is one of the sport’s most entertaining superstars to watch, and the Norwegian rowdiness that accompanies every game adds to the spectacle. Norway entered the tournament as a potential “dark horse” in its first World Cup appearance in 28 years, and it’s delivering on that promise. When at full strength, the team rarely has a dull moment—evidenced by its 3-2 win over Senegal, a 2-1 triumph over Ivory Coast, and its recent upset of Brazil in the Round of 16. Haaland has tallied seven goals in four matches, placing him in the thick of the Golden Boot race alongside Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, with the race likely to go down to the wire.
What’s not to like about Norway?
If you’re hoping to avoid a France–final rematch this time around, consider backing Spain. Spain opened as the pre-tournament favorite, though its odds have drifted behind France since the event began. Still, Spain became the first team ever to post six consecutive clean sheets to start a World Cup, a sign that their defense and structure can carry them deep into the tournament. Lamine Yamal, though not always in the spotlight, is among the sport’s most promising young talents. At 18, he has already scored 29 goals for Barcelona in just three years with the club. There could be more fireworks from him as the World Cup progresses.
Morocco exudes resilience as well. The 2022 semifinal run remains a benchmark, and now they’ll meet France in the quarterfinals on Thursday in a bid for redemption and another memorable upset. Morocco possesses a blend of flair and grit but faces a formidable test against a powerhouse French side. Their chances hinge on seizing moments and leveraging their flameout potential against a loaded opponent as they chase another deep run in the tournament.
As the remaining quarterfinals unfold and the narrative shifts toward new champions, there are plenty of compelling reasons to pick a side and stay invested. Each of these teams offers a distinctive storyline, a standout player, or a different style of play to captivate a fan base in the closing stages of the World Cup. Whether you’re drawn to Haaland’s eye-popping goal-scoring form, the tactical discipline of Spain, or Morocco’s relentless fight, there’s still plenty to root for as the tournament heats up.