Sports Desk: The knockout phase of the FIFA World Cup 2026 has lived up to its billing, with the Round of 16 producing some of the biggest upsets in tournament history alongside extraordinary individual performances, as the field narrows to eight teams ahead of the quarterfinals beginning Thursday.
Biggest Upsets Rock the Tournament
The knockout rounds have been brutal for football’s traditional heavyweights. Brazil suffered one of the tournament’s most stunning defeats, going down 2-1 to Norway on July 5, with Erling Haaland’s brace overshadowing a late Neymar goal and ending Brazil’s title hopes despite pre-tournament expectations of a deep run.
The co-hosts fared no better. The United States, Mexico, and Canada — all carrying home-soil advantage — were eliminated in successive rounds. Canada fell 3-0 to Morocco, Mexico was beaten 3-2 by England in a blockbuster clash at Estadio Azteca, and the USMNT’s run ended with a 4-1 defeat to Belgium after entering as favorites to advance.
Germany and the Netherlands also made early exits, with Germany stunned by Ecuador in the group stage and the Netherlands eliminated by Morocco on penalties in the Round of 32 — extending the pattern of established European sides faltering against sides many had underestimated.
Extraordinary Performances Steal the Spotlight
Amid the upsets, several teams delivered performances that will be remembered for years. Argentina produced arguably the standout moment of the knockout rounds, coming from 2-0 down against Egypt in the Round of 16 to win 3-2, with Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi, and Enzo Fernández scoring three unanswered goals in a 13-minute span to complete the comeback and send Messi and his side into the quarterfinals.
France has been similarly dominant, reaching the last eight without conceding a goal across two knockout matches, outscoring opponents 14-2 through the tournament so far. Morocco, meanwhile, continued their fairytale run — first eliminating the Netherlands on penalties before sweeping past co-host Canada 3-0 to reach the quarterfinals for a second successive tournament.
Switzerland also enjoyed a landmark moment, reaching the quarterfinals for the first time since 1954 after edging Colombia on penalties in the Round of 16.
Quarterfinal Matchups Set
With the Round of 16 complete, the quarterfinal bracket is now confirmed:
- France vs Morocco — Thursday, July 9, Boston (Gillette Stadium)
- Spain vs Belgium — Friday, July 10, Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium)
- Norway vs England — Saturday, July 11, Miami (Hard Rock Stadium)
- Argentina vs Switzerland — Saturday, July 11, Kansas City (Arrowhead Stadium)
Who Are the Favorites for the Semifinals?
Betting markets and analysts largely agree on the frontrunners heading into the quarterfinals. France currently sits as the tournament’s overall favorite, having reached the last eight without conceding a goal in the knockout stage. Spain, fresh off eliminating Portugal, has climbed the odds board on the strength of its possession-based style and midfield control, while Argentina — despite a scare against Egypt — remains one of the most balanced and experienced teams left in the competition, built around a strong defensive structure and Emiliano Martínez in goal.
England rounds out the group of top favorites, with Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane driving the side past Mexico into the last eight.
Norway, Belgium, Morocco, and Switzerland are considered the tournament’s dark horses. Norway, powered by Erling Haaland’s goal-scoring form, is seen as the biggest threat to England’s semifinal hopes, while Morocco — buoyed by their giant-killing run — face a tall order against a French side yet to be seriously tested defensively.
What to Expect
Analysts widely expect Argentina, Spain, and France to advance to the semifinals, with the fourth spot considered the most open contest of the round — a toss-up between England, Norway, Belgium, and Morocco. A potential Argentina-Spain semifinal, or a rematch of sorts between Europe’s leading sides, remains firmly in play should the higher-ranked teams progress as expected. The quarterfinal round runs from July 9 to 11, with the semifinals scheduled for July 14 and 15, before the final at MetLife Stadium on July 19.