Eight teams remain in the World Cup, each only two victories from the final after a month of thrilling competition. The co-hosts have exited, but defending champions Argentina advance following a remarkable comeback in the last 16. Erling Haaland has led Norway to the quarterfinals, reaching global superstar status. Norway faces Harry Kane’s England in Miami, competing for a semifinal spot. The race for the golden boot remains tight with Messi leading at eight goals, with Haaland and Kylian Mbappe close behind.
Quarterfinal Predictions and Performances
Our writers share their predictions for the upcoming matches and reflect on the standout performances from the round of 16, identifying key players and moments from recent games.
Impressive Team Performances
Lukas Weese: England. Overcoming Mexico at the Azteca with only 10 players for 30 minutes was remarkable.
Phil Hay: Tough call, but Belgium’s decisive victory against the USMNT stands out. It was not a World Cup-winning statement, but a dominant performance nonetheless.
Sam Lee: Norway’s victory over Brazil proved their organizational prowess transcends Erling Haaland’s contributions.
Writers also acknowledged Morocco’s efficient dispatch of Canada and Belgium’s triumph over the USMNT as standout moments.
Impressive Individual Performance
Lukas Weese: Erling Haaland’s precise header and shot showcased his striking abilities.
Phil Hay: Jude Bellingham’s goals and resilience under pressure against Mexico emphasized his significance.
Jack Pitt-Brooke: Haaland’s emotional commitment to Norway and his goals against Brazil highlighted his World Cup impact.
Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham received widespread recognition for their performances in key matches.
Underrated Players
Lukas Weese: Orjan Nyland for his outstanding goalkeeping against Brazil.
Phil Hay: Anthony Gordon’s impact for England merits more attention.
Jack Pitt-Brooke: Jordan Pickford’s performance under tournament pressure remains exceptional.
Other mentions include players like Sander Berge and Ferran Torres for their underrated contributions.
Anticipated Quarterfinal Matches
Lukas Weese: France vs Morocco presents intriguing potential.
Phil Hay: Norway vs England promises excitement.
Carl Anka: Enthralled by France vs Morocco’s tactical dynamics.
Norway vs England and France vs Morocco highlight matches with significant implications.
Match Winners
- Lukas Weese, Phil Hay: France, Spain, England, Argentina.
- Phil Lee, Sam Lee: Morocco, Spain, England, Argentina.
- Felipe Cardenas: France, Belgium, England, Argentina.
Memorable Moments
Lukas Weese: Harry Kane’s voiceless post-match interview was iconic.
Phil Hay: Haaland’s casual second goal.
Jack Pitt-Brooke: Dan Burn’s powerful defensive plays were memorable moments.
Moments that brought smiles were pivotal goals, player reactions, and fan interactions on and off the field.
Predictions for the Tournament’s Outcome
Lukas Weese: France remains a favorite, expecting a strong performance.
Phil Hay: Yes, but sees Spain as a formidable threat.
Jack Pitt-Brooke: Predicts a tight semi-final against Spain or France securing the title.
With no major upsets so far, France remains a likely contender for the championship.
Upcoming Quarterfinal Fixtures
- July 9: France vs Morocco in Boston at 1pm PT, 4pm ET, 9pm BST
- July 10: Spain vs Belgium in Los Angeles at 12pm PT, 3pm ET, 8pm BST
- July 11: Norway vs England in Miami at 2pm PT, 5pm ET, 10pm BST
- July 11: Argentina vs Switzerland in Kansas City at 6pm PT, 9pm ET, 2am BST (July 12)
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