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Forty teams are absent. There are only eight left standing. We’ve reached the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and these eight teams are still in the running to win it all. It’s not easy to predict how things will play out in the next rounds of the World Cup, and we’re definitely going to be in for some big surprises.
Here is my ranking of the remaining eight 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)
For what: Under the leadership of head coach Rudi Garcia, Belgium is a team that is gaining momentum 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 United States, Belgium was hardly bothered by the opponent’s home advantage, by the American equalizer in the first half or by the controversy surrounding the cancellation of the suspension of Folarin Balogun’s red card. Belgium are currently a comfortable and intelligent team, very effective at attacking from the outside and collecting runners in the box.
Why not: At some point, age could start to work against the Red Devils. Additionally, playing against Spain in the quarterfinals requires competing in midfield against Pedri and Rodri. Just as Charles De Ketelaere played against the United States, he is probably not the caliber of striker who could make a difference in the latter rounds of the World Cup.
7.
(Photo by Zou Zheng/Xinhua via Getty Images)
For what: As we saw in the shootout victory over Colombia in the round of 16, Switzerland is one of the most defensively disciplined teams in the tournament. Spain did not concede a goal but also dominated possession. Switzerland doesn’t possess the ball as often, but its defense usually always has answers. Murat Yakin is one of the best coaches remaining in this tournament and has built a smart, compact team that 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 even more concerning is the injury to Johan Manzambi, who was one of the best players of the tournament. The 20-year-old versatile forward did not play against Colombia due to a knee injury sustained during the team’s last training session. Not having it against Argentina is a big blow.
6.
(Photo by Sébastien Frej/Getty Images)
For what: Four years ago, in Qatar, Morocco reached the semi-finals of the World Cup. Since then, the team has continued to improve and grow. Their senior team and national youth teams indicate that this team will be good for years to come. Morocco boasts an elite right side with winger Brahim Díaz playing well and Achraf Hakimi being 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 both 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 their group stage matches and played a key role in the team’s offense. In a match where Morocco needs all hands on deck, the Atlas Lions will be missing their best striker. Morocco is a great team, but they are still behind France. But now facing the numerically inferior Blues, Morocco has a huge rise in power.
5.
(Photo by Image Photo/Getty Images)
For what: Norway has arguably the best center forward of his generation in Erling Haaland, who has seven goals in four appearances at this World Cup. He takes Norway to its best tournament run ever. But the team’s main supporting players, Martin Ødegaard and Antonio Nusa, were also 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 played a key role in controlling the midfield. But if one or the other has a bad game, are the team’s other options good enough to take over? Probably not.
4.
(Photo by MB Media/Getty Images)
For what: Harry Kane is living up to expectations in this tournament with six goals. He can lead England to victories in times when they are not playing well (like the 2-1 win against DR Congo). The best news for England was the round of 16 victory over Mexico, when Jude Bellingham was by far the best he had looked throughout the tournament. The same could be said of Anthony Gordon. If so, England are building an attack with several attacking strengths.
Why not: The team’s defense was sometimes too shifty. In the final round, Mexico scored two goals and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford had to bail out his teammates on several occasions. Against DR Congo, England were lucky to have conceded only one. England were also poor defensively against Croatia. When better teams emerge, the big question is whether England’s defense can hold up.
3.
(Photo by Perry McIntyre/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
For what: Argentina knows how to win and fights extremely hard against the wall. The victory against Egypt shows how well they handle adversity. The team also has the greatest player of all time, Lionel Messi, who can win matches on his own.
Why not: There is an age factor. The Albiceleste retained most of their same players from the 2022 team that won the World Cup. It’s been difficult for Argentina to win in 2022, and the 2026 team probably isn’t as good. Messi is four years older, at 39. Plus, the team still depends a lot on him. The first two knockout rounds were particularly grueling for this team, as it took 120 minutes to beat Cape Verde, and the 3-2 victory over Egypt required a huge effort at the end to stage a comeback. How much will be left in the tank?
2.
(Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
For what: In five matches, it was impossible to break the Spanish defense, which did not concede a single goal. Luis de la Fuente’s side benefit from solid production from center forward Mikel Oyarzabal with four goals, but a total of five players have scored for Spain in this tournament (not including an own goal). This gives Spain a balanced attack with multiple ways to win games. Combined with their best defense in the tournament and arguably the best central midfield tandem of Rodri and Pedri, Spain have a lot to offer.
Why not: With a 0-0 draw and two 1-0 wins against Uruguay and Portugal, Spain have walked a delicate line at times. Oyarzabal is an excellent striker, but can he carry this team like Kane, Mbappé and Haaland can? Until Yamal kicks in like he did for Barcelona, Oyarzabal has to be that guy.
1.
(Photo by Image Photo/Getty Images)
For what: From top to bottom, France had the most talented team in this tournament. What’s even better for the French is that their first three players are all in fantastic form. Kylian Mbappé has seven goals in this tournament. Michael Olise was arguably the best playmaker of the World Cup. 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 a second point of attack. Then, around this team are world-class players in every position.
Why not: It will take a herculean effort to eliminate France in any of the three remaining rounds. But it’s possible. The most difficult task for head coach Didier Deschamps is managing the huge egos within the team. As Frank Lebouef, France’s 1998 World Cup winner, recently said: “I would say that 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 favorites, it’s never good with France.”
