World Cup: Argentina, Spain, France Advance; Quarterfinal Matchups and Key Storylines Revealed

2026 World Cup Key News

(CNA Kansas City, July 7, Foreign News) The quarterfinals for the 2026 World Cup are officially set, with eight powerhouses including France, Spain, England, and Argentina set to clash from July 9th on U.S. pitches for a spot in the semifinals.

Here are the four matchups and key storylines, as compiled by AFP:

Tournament favorite France has showcased immense strength throughout, advancing with a perfect record in the group stage, defeating Sweden 3-0 in the knockout round, and then overcoming Paraguay in the Round of 16.

France boasts a formidable attack, featuring stars like Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola, and Michael Olise. It's hard to imagine any team effectively shutting down this powerhouse.

However, Morocco, nicknamed the "Atlas Lions," who hold a remarkable 34-game unbeaten streak in international competitions, are not intimidated by this matchup. They first eliminated three-time runner-up the Netherlands in a penalty shootout, surprisingly advancing to the Round of 16 and then defeating co-host Canada 3-0.

Morocco will face France in Boston, hoping to avenge their loss in the semifinals of the Qatar World Cup four years ago.

Morocco became the first African team in World Cup history to reach the semifinals in the Qatar World Cup and are now aiming to reach the final four once again.

The "Matador" Spain, after narrowly defeating arch-rival Portugal 1-0 on July 6th, set a new World Cup record by keeping clean sheets in six consecutive matches.

This European powerhouse's style of play may not be flashy, but their offensive and defensive efficiency is extremely high, and their ball-possession ability is outstanding.

Spain's super-prospect Lamine Yamal has only scored 1 goal in five matches, but key player Mikel Oyarzabal has scored 4 goals, including two in the Round of 32 match against Austria, leading the team to a 3-0 victory.

Belgium, riding the momentum of their dominant 4-1 victory over co-host the United States in the Round of 16, will head to Los Angeles to face Spain.

In the Round of 32, Belgium staged a thrilling comeback, overcoming a two-goal deficit to launch a desperate counterattack, ultimately winning dramatically 3-2 in extra time with a crucial penalty kick against Senegal.

Belgium's "Golden Generation," led by Kevin De Bruyne, is gradually nearing the end of their careers, and this World Cup is likely their last chance to compete together on the world stage.

England's defense is familiar with the young Norwegian star Erling Haaland, who plays for Manchester City in the Premier League, but whether they can successfully limit his impact remains to be seen.

England, considered one of the favorites to win the title, is striving for their second World Cup championship in team history.

England captain Harry Kane and midfield core Jude Bellingham have been the most outstanding performers so far, jointly carrying the offensive load and scoring 10 of the team's 11 goals, including all three goals in their 3-2 victory over Mexico in the Round of 16.

Despite playing with one man down after a red card in the second half of the Round of 16 match, England still managed to eliminate co-host Mexico, a victory that has boosted their confidence heading into their match against Norway, led by Haaland.

Haaland has already scored 7 goals in this World Cup, making him a strong contender for the Golden Boot, and he will undoubtedly continue to test England's defense.

Defending champions Argentina, after two nail-biting matches, have finally advanced to the quarterfinals and will face Switzerland.

Argentina first won 3-2 in extra time against Cape Verde, who were making their World Cup debut in the Round of 32. They then overcame a two-goal deficit in the Round of 16, scoring 3 goals in just 13 minutes to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt and narrowly advance to the quarterfinals.

Argentina's head coach Lionel Scaloni knows that if they want to compete for their fourth World Cup title, they cannot afford to have such close calls in every match; however, they have once again proven that as long as the final whistle has not blown, no one can easily count Argentina out.

Argentina will face Switzerland in Kansas City.

Switzerland battled Colombia for 120 minutes in their Round of 16 match today, ending in a 0-0 draw, and ultimately winning 4-3 in a penalty shootout to advance to the quarterfinals.

This marks Switzerland's first appearance in the World Cup quarterfinals since hosting the tournament in 1954. This disciplined and well-organized defensive team is expected to be a tough opponent for Argentina. (Translator: Liu Wen-yu) 1150708

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