World Cup 2026 Quarter-Finals: Preview, Predictions & Betting Tips

France are into the World Cup semi-finals after beating Morocco 2-0. Here's our full guide to the remaining quarter-finals, with odds, tips and predictions for Spain v Belgium, Norway v England and Argentina v Switzerland.

Quarter-finals underway. France are the first side into the semis after a 2-0 win over Morocco — Spain-Belgium, Norway-England and Argentina-Switzerland decide the last three spots. AEST kick-offs in our World Cup TV guide.
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Eight teams remain. The Round of 16 thinned the field with barely a favourite spared — Norway knocked out Brazil, Spain ended Ronaldo’s Portugal, and Belgium hammered hosts USA 4-1. Australia’s run had already ended a round earlier, beaten by Egypt in a shootout (read our full Socceroos exit analysis). Now the last eight play for four semi-final places, and Kylian Mbappé’s France have already booked theirs. Below is our read on every quarter-final, with the latest odds from bet365, Ladbrokes and Neds.

World Cup 2026 outright: who’s favourite now?

France firmed to clear favouritism the moment they saw off Morocco — the only side already through to the last four, and the tournament’s most complete team across six matches. Spain, England and Argentina are bunched behind them, with Norway the story of the knockouts after eliminating Brazil.

Team Outright odds (bet365) Status
France $2.50 Into semi-finals
Spain $5.50 QF v Belgium
England $5.50 QF v Norway
Argentina $5.50 QF v Switzerland
Norway $17.00 QF v England
Belgium $34.00 QF v Spain
Switzerland $34.00 QF v Argentina

Full market on our World Cup 2026 outright tips page.

World Cup quarter-final fixtures

Match Kick-off (AEST) Venue
France 2-0 Morocco Played (Thu 9 Jul) Gillette Stadium
Spain v Belgium Sat 11 Jul, 6:00am SoFi Stadium
Norway v England Sun 12 Jul, 8:00am Hard Rock Stadium
Argentina v Switzerland Sun 12 Jul, 12:00pm Arrowhead Stadium

France 2-0 Morocco: Les Bleus reach the semis

France broke a stubborn Morocco in the second half at Gillette Stadium. Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring on 60 minutes — having earlier missed a first-half penalty — before Ousmane Dembélé made it two on 66 with his fifth goal of the tournament. Didier Deschamps’ side now wait on the Spain-Belgium winner in the semi-finals in Dallas on Tuesday. On this evidence they thoroughly deserve their $2.50 outright favouritism.

Spain vs Belgium

Spain arrive as the form team of the top half, having outlasted Portugal, and are heavy $1.65 favourites to reach the last four. Belgium ($5.25) are the wildcard — their 4-1 dismantling of the United States showed genuine cutting edge, but they leaked chances doing it. Expect Spain to dominate possession; the value, if you want Belgium, is in the goals and both-teams-to-score markets rather than the outright result.

Our tip: Spain to win (~$1.65) — with both teams to score as the higher-odds alternative for a Belgium side that keeps finding the net.

Norway vs England

The tie of the round. Norway ($4.00) knocked out Brazil and, with Erling Haaland leading the line, carry a threat no one wants to face. England ($1.90) have ground through the knockouts — a 3-2 win at the Azteca over Mexico chief among them — and are rated the more reliable side over 90-plus minutes. This has a late goal or extra time written all over it.

Our tip: England to qualify, but respect Norway on the double chance (~$1.85) if you want cover against a Haaland moment.

Argentina vs Switzerland

Reigning champions Argentina ($1.70) needed extra time to survive Egypt in the previous round and have not been at their fluent best, but Lionel Messi and co. still hold a clear edge over a disciplined Switzerland ($5.25) side that edged Colombia on penalties. The Swiss defend deep and well; patience will be the theme.

Our tip: Argentina to win (~$1.70) — under 2.5 goals appeals given Switzerland’s low-block approach.

Bet of the quarter-finals

For a single play, Spain to beat Belgium at $1.65 is the most solid of the three remaining ties — Spain have controlled every game they’ve played and Belgium’s open style suits a possession side. For the tournament-long punter, France at $2.50 remains the standout: already through, the most complete team on show, and with the kinder-looking side of the draw.

Where to bet on the World Cup quarter-finals

Compare quarter-final head-to-head, handicap and same-game-multi markets across Ladbrokes, Neds and bet365. For full reviews and the best World Cup promotions, see our best betting sites in Australia guide.

More World Cup 2026 coverage

Quarter-final FAQs

When are the World Cup 2026 quarter-finals?

The quarter-finals run from Thursday 9 July to Sunday 12 July 2026. France have already beaten Morocco 2-0; Spain v Belgium, Norway v England and Argentina v Switzerland complete the round.

Who is favourite to win the 2026 World Cup?

France are the outright favourites at around $2.50 after reaching the semi-finals, ahead of Spain, England and Argentina (all around $5.50). France have looked the tournament’s most complete side.

Is Australia still in the 2026 World Cup?

No. Australia were eliminated in the Round of 32, losing to Egypt on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

What is the pick of the quarter-finals?

Norway v England is the standout tie — Norway knocked out Brazil and have Erling Haaland in form — while Spain v Belgium shapes as the most bettable for a Spain side controlling every game.