The FIFA 2026 World Cup in North America is racing toward its finale. With a record 48 nations competing for the golden trophy, only eight teams remain in a razor-thin battle for the title.
The tournament wrapped up its second round Sunday (Korea time). On the final day of the round of 16, defending champion Argentina (ranked No. 2 by FIFA) trailed Egypt (No. 24) 0-2 before staging a dramatic comeback, scoring three goals in the final 10-plus minutes. Switzerland (No. 14) then edged Colombia (No. 11), advancing 4-3 on penalties after the two sides finished regulation and extra time scoreless at 0-0.
Europe's dominance is pronounced. France (No. 1), runner-up at the 2022 Qatar tournament, along with England (No. 4), Spain (No. 3), Norway (No. 19) and others, put six nations into the quarterfinals. It marks the joint second-most European teams ever to reach the World Cup quarterfinals and the first time in eight years since the 2018 Russia tournament. The remaining two spots went to South America's Argentina and Africa's Morocco (No. 6).
Foreign media attribute the dominance to deep squads capable of filling their entire rosters with players from top leagues. Spain's Marca explained that "European teams pack their rosters with players who compete every week in high-pressure matches in the world's best leagues," adding that "in weighty tournament games, their experience shines through."
The quarterfinals run from Tuesday to Thursday. While the group stage through the round of 16 were spread across Mexico and Canada, the quarterfinals onward will all be held in the United States.
The marquee matchup pits France, led by Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), against Morocco, featuring Mbappe's close friend Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain). France, which reached the final in each of the previous two tournaments, is aiming for a third straight final with a flawless lineup this time as well.
Morocco is determined to avenge the 0-2 loss it suffered to France in the semifinals of the 2022 Qatar tournament.
The clash between Norway and England, featuring Erling Haaland (seven goals) and Harry Kane (six goals), is also intriguing. The winner can continue the "Golden Boot" scoring race with Messi (eight goals) and Mbappe (seven goals).
Belgium and Spain will meet at a World Cup for the third time. Belgium ousted Spain on penalties in the quarterfinals of the 1986 Mexico tournament, while Spain won 2-1 in the group stage at the 1990 Italy tournament. Argentina faces Switzerland, which reached the quarterfinals for the first time in 72 years since its home tournament in 1954.
