2026 World Cup Quarterfinal Predictions: Who Will Reach the Semifinals?
The quarterfinal stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set, with eight teams preparing to battle for a spot in the semifinals. The matches begin on Thursday, July 9, showcasing some intriguing matchups across various venues in the United States.
France vs MoroccoJuly 9, Foxborough, Massachusetts
This contest opens the quarterfinals with France, the runner-up from 2022, facing Morocco, who finished fourth last tournament. Experts are leaning heavily towards France securing a win here.
- Jon Arnold predicts a 2-0 victory for France.
- Seth Vertelney foresees a 3-1 scoreline favoring France.
- Jesse Yomtov expects a 2-0 result for France.
- Victoria Hernandez predicts France to win 3-1.
Spain vs BelgiumJuly 10, SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
Spain will face off against Belgium in what promises to be a close battle. All four analysts give Spain the edge, though the margin varies.
- Jon Arnold and Seth Vertelney both call a 2-1 win for Spain.
- Jesse Yomtov suggests a narrow 1-0 victory for Spain.
- Victoria Hernandez also sees Spain prevailing 2-1.
Norway vs EnglandJuly 11, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
The clash between Norway and England has predictions split, revealing some uncertainty in the matchup.
- Jon Arnold expects England to dominate with a 3-0 win.
- Seth Vertelney surprisingly favors Norway 2-1.
- Jesse Yomtov predicts a tight 2-1 win for England after extra time.
- Victoria Hernandez forecasts a thrilling 3-2 victory for England.
Argentina vs SwitzerlandJuly 11, Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, is favored to overcome Switzerland by all experts, though the exact scores differ.
- Jon Arnold picks a 1-0 win for Argentina.
- Seth Vertelney sees a 2-1 result in Argentina's favor.
- Jesse Yomtov projects a convincing 3-0 victory for Argentina.
- Victoria Hernandez calls a 2-1 win for Argentina.
Looking Ahead
The winners from these four fixtures will advance to the semifinals, scheduled for July 14 and 15. The final showdown is set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Key Moments from Group D
The group stage saw some unforgettable action, including strong performances by US players Folarin Balogun and Giovanni Reyna. Their goals helped propel the USA forward in this tournament.
