The World Cup quarter-final line-up is taking shape after a dramatic run of Round of 16 matches. Morocco marched past Canada, France edged through a battle with Paraguay, Norway stunned Brazil, England survived Mexico, Spain sent Portugal home and Belgium produced a statement win over the USA.
🇲🇦 Morocco 3-0 Canada 🇨🇦
Morocco became the first team to book their place in the quarter-finals with an impressive 3-0 victory over Canada. Organised defensively and clinical going forward, the Atlas Lions controlled the contest and never allowed Canada to settle.
The result continues Morocco's remarkable tournament and sets up a fascinating quarter-final against France.
🇫🇷 France 1-0 Paraguay 🇵🇾
France were made to work for every opportunity as Paraguay produced one of the toughest defensive performances of the tournament.
It was not France at their most fluent, but they found the breakthrough when it mattered. Championship-winning teams often find a way through difficult matches, and France did exactly that.
🇳🇴 Norway 2-1 Brazil 🇧🇷
One of the biggest shocks of the World Cup so far saw Norway eliminate five-time champions Brazil with a fearless 2-1 victory.
Powered by another influential display from Erling Haaland and a disciplined team performance, Norway stood toe-to-toe with one of football's greatest nations before delivering the decisive blow. Brazil searched desperately for a way back, but Norway defended with determination and composure to complete a famous victory.
The result sends Norway into the quarter-finals and firmly establishes them as one of the tournament's surprise contenders.
🴠England 3-2 Mexico 🇲🇽
England survived a thrilling encounter against a spirited Mexico side to secure their place in the quarter-finals, but they were pushed all the way.
Mexico matched England for long periods, asking constant questions with their pace, intensity and attacking intent. England ultimately found enough quality to edge a dramatic five-goal contest, but the narrow victory exposed vulnerabilities future opponents will certainly study.
England's dream remains alive, but awaiting them now is an in-form Norway side fresh from eliminating Brazil. Another performance like this may not be enough.
🇪🇸 Spain 1-0 Portugal 🇵🇹
Spain claimed Iberian bragging rights after edging Portugal in one of the most tactical matches of the Round of 16.
Chances were limited, patience was vital and Spain eventually found the decisive breakthrough to eliminate their neighbours and book a quarter-final showdown with Belgium.
🇧🇪 Belgium 4-1 USA 🇺🇸
Belgium delivered arguably the performance of the Round of 16 by dismantling tournament hosts USA with a stunning 4-1 victory.
Rudi Garcia's bold decision to leave Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Jérémy Doku on the bench from the start raised eyebrows before kick-off, but the tactical approach worked beautifully. Belgium controlled the game, struck with pace and punished the hosts with ruthless efficiency.
The convincing victory sends the Red Devils into the quarter-finals full of confidence ahead of a blockbuster clash with Spain.
Quarter-Finals Confirmed So Far
- 🇫🇷 France vs 🇲🇦 Morocco
- 🴠England vs 🇳🇴 Norway
- 🇪🇸 Spain vs 🇧🇪 Belgium
The final quarter-final pairing will be decided after Argentina face Egypt and Switzerland meet Colombia. With Brazil, Germany, Portugal and the USA already eliminated, this World Cup is wide open.
