48 teams have been whittled down to just eight. Who will advance to the semi-finals? Here are our top picks for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Quarter-Finals.
FIFA World Cup Quarter-Finals ACCA
- France (to beat Morocco)
- Spain (to qualify vs Belgium)
- England (to qualify vs Norway)
- Argentina (to beat Switzerland)
- ODDS: 4.04/1
– 2026 FIFA World Cup Guide: Fixtures, Results, TV Schedule & Everything Else You Need to Know
France vs Morocco, Thur, 21:00, RTE 2/RTE Player
A repeat of the 2022 World Cup semi-final sees tournament favourites France face African heavyweights Morocco in Boston, with a place in the last four of the 2026 World Cup at stake. France have cruised through much of the tournament, their star-studded attack helping them win their opening four matches, although they were made to work for a fiery 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the Round of 16. That result extended Les Bleus’ unbeaten run in competitive fixtures to 12 matches (W11, D1), with seven consecutive wins. Another victory would make them only the third nation to reach three straight World Cup semi-finals.
Morocco, meanwhile, produced a clinical display to eliminate co-hosts Canada in the Round of 16, scoring three unanswered goals from just four shots on target. The Atlas Lions will need to overcome history to continue their remarkable run, however, as France are unbeaten across the previous six meetings between the sides (W4, D2), including a 2-0 victory in their only previous competitive encounter in the 2022 World Cup semi-final.
While there’s no doubt Morocco have improved since 2022, France arguably have as well, with the emergence of Michael Olise coinciding beautifully with this tournament. The Bayern man has 8 goal involvements in his last six appearances for Les Bleus (G3, A5).
That extra sprinkle of quality will be enough to see France over the line.
Verdict: France (11/20)
Spain vs Belgium, Fri, 20:00, RTE 2/RTE Player
A meeting of two teams yet to fully convince at this World Cup. Spain’s status as pre-tournament favourites was dealt an early blow when they were held to a scoreless draw by Cape Verde in their group opener. However, the African teams’ performances at this tournament have since been well advertised.
To Spain’s credit, they’ve since won their next four games without conceding, but they looked slightly blunt once again in the dull last 16 tie with Portugal.
Belgium looked mediocre during the group stages, and they should have been dumped out by Senegal in the round of 32. However, they breezed past the USA last time out, extending their unbeaten run to 18 matches (W12, D6).
However, Spain are a big step up on the teams Belgium have faced at this competition, so Luis de la Fuente’s side should have enough to progress. Given Spain’s struggles in front of goal against Cape Verde, Uruguay and Portugal, it may be worth going for the more conservative option of backing Spain to qualify, as opposed to winning the 90 minutes.
Verdict: Spain to qualify (3/10)
Norway vs England, Sat, 22:00, RTE 2/RTE Player
Norway’s last 16 victory against Brazil has been described as the country’s greatest World Cup result ever and perhaps, rightfully so, as it saw Ståle Solbakken’s team reach the last eight for the first-time ever. However, that was an ageing Brazil side lacking in the star power of the past, and yet, if Endrick hadn’t fluffed his lines when through one on one, it could have ended very differently.
Norway deserve credit for a very mature approach against the South Americans, who were run off their feet by Norway, but that’s something they won’t be able to do against England.
Thomas Tuchel’s men showed serious minerals in overcoming Mexico at the Azteca, a result that will have really bonded this group. Six wins from their last seven matches (D1) have fuelled belief that the Three Lions are peaking at just the right time, with their bid to end a 60-year wait for major international silverware gathering momentum.
Keeping Haaland quiet will be key, but let’s not forget England have Kane and Bellingham, who was unplayable against Mexico. Eleven of Norway’s last 12 games saw both teams score, so this could turn into a slugfest; if it does, England have slightly more quality all over the park.
Verdict: England to qualify (9/20)
Argentina vs Switzerland, Sun, 02:00, RTE 2/RTE Player
Messi was left in tears following Argentina’s incredible comeback against Egypt, but the World Champions should be in for a slightly easier time of things against Quarter-Final debutants Switzerland.
The Swiss benefited from being placed in one of the easiest groups before dispatching Algeria in the round of 32. Their round of 16 tie against Colombia was a snoozefest with the European’s eventually advancing on penalties.
Lionel Messi is proving unplayable at this World Cup and will almost certainly inspire the world’s number one ranked side to another victory.
Verdict: Argentina (8/11)
FIFA World Cup Quarter-Finals ACCA
- France (to beat Morocco)
- Spain (to qualify vs Belgium)
- England (to qualify vs Norway)
- Argentina (to beat Switzerland)
- ODDS: 4.04/1
