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Forty teams are out. Only eight remain. We’ve reached the quarter-final round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and these eight teams are still in contention to win it all. Now, it is not easy to predict how things will play out in the later rounds of the WC and we are sure to have some big surprises.
Here are my rankings of the eight remaining teams with a look at why they could win the title and why they might not.
8.
(Photo by BRUNO FAHY / BELGA MAG / Belga / AFP via Getty Images)
Why: Under head coach Rudi Garcia, Belgium are a team that is gaining ground as the tournament progresses after a slow start. The team starts a relatively older starting lineup that has used its wisdom to its advantage. Against the USA, Belgium were hardly bothered by the opposition’s home court advantage, the USA’s first-half equalizer or the controversy over Folarin Balogun’s red card being overturned. Belgium are a comfortable and smart team right now, very effective at attacking from the outside and picking up runners in the box.
Why not: At some point, age may begin to work against the Red Devils. On top of that, playing Spain in the quarter-finals requires competing in midfield against Pedri and Rodri. As Charles De Ketelaere played against the USA, he is probably not the caliber of forward that could be a difference maker in the later rounds of the World Cup.
7.
(Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua via Getty Images)
Why: As we saw in the shootout win over Colombia in the Round of 16, Switzerland is one of the most defensively disciplined teams remaining in the tournament. Spain have not conceded a goal, but also dominate possession. Switzerland doesn’t possess the ball nearly as often, but its defense typically always has an answer. Murat Yakin is one of the best coaches left in this tournament and has built a team that is smart, compact, defends well and chooses the right moments to attack. Switzerland is clearly a team on the rise.
Why not: Defending against Argentina is another level compared to what the Swiss have done so far. But perhaps an even bigger concern is the injury to Johan Manzambi, who has been one of the tournament’s best breakout players. The 20-year-old versatile forward did not play against Colombia due to a knee injury he sustained in the team’s final training session. Not having him against Argentina is a huge blow.
6.
(Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
Why: Four years ago in Qatar, Morocco advanced to the semi-finals of the World Cup. Since then, the team has only continued to improve and grow. Both its senior team and youth national team indicate that this team will be good for years to come. Morocco have an elite right side of the pitch, with winger Brahim Díaz playing well and Achraf Hakimi arguably the best right back in the world. Central midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi is also one of the best teenagers in the world. Morocco should be highly motivated against France as the two nations have strong historical ties with six Moroccan players born and raised in France.
Why not: Morocco have a significant injury problem with Ismael Saibari likely out for their match against France. Saibari scored in each of his group stage matches and was key to the team’s attack. In a game where Morocco will need all hands on deck, the Atlas Lions will be missing their top forward. Morocco are a great team, but they are still behind France. But now facing Les Bleus shorthanded, Morocco have a huge uphill climb.
5.
(Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)
Why: Norway have arguably the best center forward of their generation in Erling Haaland, who has seven goals in four appearances at this World Cup. He leads Norway to its best ever tournament run. But the team’s main supporting cast, in Martin Ødegaard and Antonio Nusa, has also been excellent.
Why not: The biggest concern for this team is its depth. Haaland has at least one goal in every game he has played and Ødegaard has been key in controlling the midfield. But if one of them has a bad game, are the team’s other options good enough to take the plunge? Probably not.
4.
(Photo by MB Media/Getty Images)
Why: Harry Kane lives up to expectations at this tournament with six goals. He can carry England to victories at times when they are not playing well (such as the 2-1 win over DR Congo). The best news for England was in the Round of 16 over Mexico as Jude Bellingham was the best he has looked all tournament. The same could be said of Anthony Gordon. If so, England are building an attack that has several strong points of attack.
Why not: The team’s defense has been too leaky at times. In the last round, Mexico scored two goals, and England’s goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, had to save his teammates several times. Against DR Congo, England were lucky to have conceded just one. England were also poor defensively against Croatia. When better teams come in, it is a big question whether England’s defense can hold its own.
3.
(Photo by Perry McIntyre/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Why: Argentina know how to win and fight extremely hard when they are up against the wall. The win over Egypt shows how well it handles adversity. The team also has the best player of all time in Lionel Messi who can win games on his own.
Why not: There is an age factor. La Albiceleste have retained most of their same players from the 2022 squad that won the World Cup. It was difficult for Argentina to win in 2022, and the 2026 team is probably not as good. Messi is four years older at 39. In addition, the team is still very dependent on him. The first two knockout rounds were particularly taxing for this team as it took 120 minutes to beat Cape Verde and the 3-2 win over Egypt required a big push at the end to mount a comeback. How much will be left in the tank?
2.
(Photo: Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Why: Through five matches, it has been impossible to break down Spain’s defence, which has conceded zero goals. Luis de la Fuente’s side get solid production from center forward Mikel Oyarzabal with four goals, but a total of five players have scored for Spain in this tournament (not counting an own goal). It gives Spain a balanced attack with a number of ways to win games. Combined with its tournament-best defense and arguably the best central midfield tandem in Rodri and Pedri, Spain has a lot going for it.
Why not: With a 0-0 draw and two 1-0 wins over Uruguay and Portugal, Spain have walked a fine line at times. Oyarzabal is an excellent striker, but is he able to carry this team in a way that Kane, Mbappé and Haaland can? Until Yamal gets going the way he has for Barcelona, Oyarzabal has to be that guy.
1.
(Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)
Why: From top to bottom, France had the most talented team in this tournament. What’s even better for the French is that their top three players are all in fantastic form. Kylian Mbappé has seven goals in this tournament. Michael Olise has undoubtedly been the best playmaker at the WC. Finally, Ousmane Dembélé, who entered this tournament without a World Cup goal, scored. Now the reigning Ballon d’Or winner has four goals and two assists to open up another point of attack. So around this team are world class players at every position.
Why not: It will take a Herculean effort to knock France out in one of the three remaining rounds. But it is possible. The toughest job for head coach Didier Deschamps is managing the massive egos in the squad. As France’s 1998 World Cup winner Frank Lebouef recently said: “I would say France’s best enemy is France itself. Again, if you don’t find the chemistry, if you have ego problems between the players, they won’t win anything. And when we’re the favourites, it’s never good with France.”
