World Cup 2026 Quarter-finals: Top Scorers, Predictions, Betting Odds & Best Bets
The Golden Boot is Still Wide Open
The FIFA World Cup 2026 has delivered everything South African football fans could have hoped for giant killings, last-minute drama and plenty of goals.
Although Bafana Bafana bowed out in the Round of 32 after an impressive tournament, Mzansi supporters still have plenty to look forward to as the final eight nations battle for a place in the semi-finals.
With quarter-finals taking place between 9 and 11 July, the race for World Cup glory and the Golden Boot is reaching boiling point.
The Final Eight Teams and Their top Contenders
France
France once again look like genuine title contenders.
Kylian Mbappé has been devastating throughout the tournament, while Ousmane Dembélé continues to stretch defences with his blistering pace and creativity. If France are to lift another World Cup, expect Mbappé to be at the heart of everything.
Morocco
Morocco continue to prove that their run to the latter stages is no fluke.
Ismael Saibari has emerged as one of the tournament’s breakout stars, consistently producing in the biggest moments, while Morocco’s organised defence remains one of the toughest to break down.
Spain
Spain have quietly gone about their business with trademark possession football.
Mikel Oyarzabal has provided the finishing touch, while Lamine Yamal continues to show why he’s regarded as one of world football’s brightest young talents.
Belgium
Belgium have relied on experience and resilience throughout the knockout stages.
Romelu Lukaku remains their biggest attacking threat, but the Red Devils have shown they can score from all over the pitch when it matters most.
Norway
No player has captured headlines quite like Erling Haaland.
The Manchester City striker has continued his remarkable scoring form on the biggest stage and looks capable of firing Norway into their first-ever World Cup semi-final.
England
England have again found a way to grind out results.
Captain Harry Kane continues to lead from the front, while Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden provide plenty of creativity behind him.
Argentina
Argentina continue to lean on the brilliance of Lionel Messi.
Even in the twilight of his legendary career, Messi remains capable of deciding matches with moments of pure magic and experience.
Switzerland
Switzerland have once again shown why they are one of international football’s toughest teams to beat.
Disciplined defensively and dangerous on the counterattack, the Swiss won’t be intimidated by anyone left in the tournament.
Quarter-final Predictions
France vs Morocco
France possess more quality across the pitch, although Morocco have already shown they can frustrate the world’s best.
Prediction: France to win 2-1.
Spain vs Belgium
Spain’s control in midfield should eventually wear Belgium down, although the Red Devils have enough quality to keep this one close.
Prediction: Spain to win 2-1.
Norway vs England
This could easily be the tie of the quarter-finals.
Haaland against Kane is worth staying up for on its own, but Norway’s attacking intensity gives them a slight edge.
Prediction: Norway to win 2-1.
Argentina vs Switzerland
Switzerland are incredibly difficult to break down, but Argentina have the quality—and Messi—to find a way.
Prediction: Argentina to win 2-0.
Projected Semi-finals
- France vs Spain
- Norway vs Argentina
If those fixtures materialise, football fans could be treated to Mbappé, Haaland and Messi all battling for a place in the World Cup Final.
Golden Boot Watch
The Golden Boot race is still wide open.
Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi remain among the leading contenders, with every knockout goal becoming increasingly valuable.
Should Argentina continue their run, Messi’s experience could prove decisive. However, if Norway or France reach the final, Haaland or Mbappé could easily finish as the tournament’s leading scorer.
Prediction: Kylian Mbappé wins the Golden Boot.
World Cup 2026 Quarter-final Betting Odds
| Match | Favourite |
|---|---|
| France vs Morocco | France 1.50 |
| Spain vs Belgium | Spain 1.80 |
| Norway vs England | Norway 2.30 |
| Argentina vs Switzerland | Argentina 1.65 |
Odds are approximate at the time of writing and may vary between bookmakers. If you’re unsure about how odds work. Take the the time to read our guide explaining betting odds.
Best Bet for World Cup 2026 quarter-finals
France to Beat Morocco @ 1.50
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
France have looked the most complete side remaining in the tournament and possess significantly more attacking depth than Morocco.
Top 5 Bets for the World Cup 2026 quarter-finals
| Bet | Approx. Odds | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1. France to beat Morocco | 1.50 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 |
| 2. Argentina to beat Switzerland | 1.65 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 |
| 3. Spain to beat Belgium | 1.80 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 |
| 4. Norway vs England – Both Teams to Score | 1.78 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 |
| 5. Mbappé Anytime Goalscorer | 2.05 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 |
If you’re new to betting on soccer and are unsure about how soccer betting markets work. Take the time to read our soccer betting strategy guide.
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World Cup 2026 quarter-finals FAQ’s
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Sibusiso loves all things sport and has been writing and living the game for the last ten years. Sibo can be found at his local when Liverpool or Pirates plays a match. He brings deep insights into upcoming football or rugby matches.