The 2026 FIFA World Cup is heating up as the quarterfinals promise intense showdowns. On Saturday, July 11, England will face Norway, followed by Argentina taking on Switzerland. With France and Spain already in the semifinals, the remaining spots are up for grabs, setting the stage for high-stakes football.
The Opta supercomputer has weighed in, favoring England and Argentina as the likely victors. However, Norway and Switzerland are determined to defy the odds and pull off upsets, adding to the excitement.
Quarterfinal Schedule and Semifinal Lineup
The quarterfinals kick off with Norway vs England at Miami Stadium at 5pm (21:00 GMT), followed by Argentina vs Switzerland at Kansas City Stadium at 8pm (01:00 GMT on Sunday). The semifinals will see France face Spain on July 14 at Dallas Stadium, with the winners of the England/Norway and Argentina/Switzerland matches squaring off on July 15 at Atlanta Stadium.
Predictions and Historical Context
Norway vs England: A Clash of Titans
England and Norway are meeting in the World Cup for the first time, though they have faced each other 12 times England holds a historical advantage with eight wins to Norway’s two. The Opta supercomputer gives England a 50.4 percent chance of winning in regular time, rising to 62.3 percent when including extra time and penalties. Norway, meanwhile, has a 25.1 percent chance of victory, with a 24.6 percent probability of a draw.
Argentina vs Switzerland: Defending Champions in Focus
Argentina enters the quarterfinal with a strong historical edge, having won five and drawn two of their seven meetings with Switzerland. The Opta supercomputer predicts a 57.1 percent chance of an Argentina win in regular time, with a 69.4 percent Switzerland, on the other hand, has an 18.7 percent chance of winning and a 30.6 percent chance of progressing.
Beyond the Pitch: Stories and Developments
Portugal’s New Coach and Ronaldo’s Future
The Portuguese Football Federation has appointed Jorge Jesus as the new coach of the national team, following their disappointing World Cup campaign. Jesus, who has previously managed clubs like Benfica, Sporting CP, and Al-Nassr, will succeed Roberto Martinez. The focus now turns to Cristiano Ronaldo’s future, with Jesus describing him as a symbol of Portuguese sport and planning to discuss his international future with the star.
Erling Haaland: Mexico’s Unlikely Hero
Norway’s Erling Haaland has unexpectedly become a favorite among Mexican fans, who are rooting for him to eliminate England on their behalf. Haaland has embraced the jokes, responding to social media posts with phrases like Y si si? 🇲🇽😉 and I hear you 🇲🇽🌮. This lighthearted exchange has added a unique dimension to the tournament.
Morocco’s 2030 World Cup Aspirations
Despite their quarterfinal exit, Morocco’s World Cup journey has been historic. They became the first African nation to reach consecutive quarterfinals, cohosting the 2030 World Cup with Portugal and Spain. Coach Ouahbi expressed optimism, stating, We have a young team that wants to improve and will continue to do so.
Kane vs Haaland: A Striker Showdown
England captain Harry Kane has downplayed comparisons with Haaland, emphasizing their different playing styles. Kane praised Haaland’s remarkable goalscoring ability calling him a machine and a beast. The two strikers are in a tight race for the Golden Boot, with both chasing leaders Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.
Mbappe and France’s Quest for Greatness
Kylian Mbappe has cautioned against comparing France’s current team to the country’s greatest squads, insisting they must first achieve something significant. With 13 goals between Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, France is a strong contender for the title.
Bellingham and Haaland: Friends Turned Rivals
The friendship between England’s Jude Bellingham and Norway’s Erling Haaland has become one of the tournament’s most talked-about storylines. Their camaraderie, forged during their time at Borussia Dortmund, adds a personal touch to their quarterfinal clash.
