The Last 8 Stars in the World Cup Sky: Between Modernity and Repetition

Only eight teams remain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to play heavyweight quarter-final matches starting today (Thursday).

France’s formidable side delivered a performance befitting a World Cup contender, easily navigating the group stage before dispatching Sweden in the Round of 32 and eliminating Paraguay in the Round of 16.

It is difficult to bet against any team capable of stopping Didier Deschamps’ players, given the attacking power of a squad led by Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola, and the creative genius Michael Olise.

However, the Moroccan national team, undefeated in the tournament so far, does not fear the two-time World Cup champions. The Atlas Lions eliminated the Netherlands in the Round of 32 via penalties and thrashed co-host Canada 3-0 in the Round of 16.

The North African side has its sights set on avenging their loss to Les Bleus in the 2022 World Cup semi-final in Qatar.

After defeating Portugal 1-0 last Monday, Spain became the first team in World Cup history to keep clean sheets in six consecutive matches.

Although the European champions, managed by Luis de la Fuente, have not consistently delivered dazzling performances throughout the tournament, they have shown attacking efficiency and smooth ball retention.

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has netted only once, but Mikel Oyarzabal has been responsible for four goals in the tournament, including a brace against Austria (3-0) in the Round of 32.

The Belgian team advanced to face Spain in Los Angeles after defeating co-host USA 4-1 in the Round of 16.

In the Round of 32, the Red Devils overturned a two-goal deficit against Senegal to secure a 3-2 victory after extra time (2-2 in regular time).

This edition of the World Cup could be the “final dance” for players from Belgium’s golden generation, such as Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, who are hoping to end their international careers in the best possible way.

English defenders are accustomed to facing Norwegian striker Erling Haaland in the Premier League, but that familiarity may not necessarily help them stop him.

Captain Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are considered the standout players in the England squad, having scored 10 of the team’s 11 tournament goals, including three in the thrilling 3-2 Round of 16 victory over Mexico.

England completed their match against Mexico with ten players after suffering greatly before eliminating one of the co-hosts, snatching a win that will boost their confidence ahead of their clash with Norway.

However, England’s task will not be easy in Miami against a Norwegian side led by the brilliant Haaland, who has scored seven goals so far in the tournament and is chasing the Golden Boot award.

The Manchester City striker has netted 27 goals in 14 consecutive matches for Norway and appears fully prepared to trouble England’s fragile defense.

In the previous round, Argentina trailed Egypt 0-2 and lacked solutions in what seemed like a path to elimination, before staging a remarkable comeback led by Messi.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni is aware that his team cannot rely on surviving such tense scenarios in every match if they aim to win the World Cup for a fourth time.

Nevertheless, he has repeatedly demonstrated in this tournament that they cannot be ruled out of the title race.

Argentina will face Switzerland in Kansas City, the Swiss side having defeated Colombia on penalties in Vancouver after their match ended 0-0 in both regular and extra time.