A striker duel for the ages & Qatar revenge – what to expect in quarter-finals

Four quarter-finals, four narratives to shape the World Cup

The World Cup has already delivered knockout football that feels like a grand finale, and now the last eight will decide who walks away with the trophy. Six European sides, one from Africa and one from South America remain, each with a distinct path to the semi-finals. Thursday’s first quarter-final between France and Morocco carries the weight of a 2022 semi-final rematch, while Friday’s clash between Spain and Belgium pits attack against defence in a high-stakes tactical duel. Saturday and Sunday bring contrasting stories: England face France’s conquerors in a bid to end a quarter-final hoodoo, and Argentina take on the Netherlands in a rematch of a fiery 2022 quarter-final. Each tie is packed with stakes, style and storylines that will shape the tournament’s next chapter.

France vs Morocco: a rematch with a different pulse

France’s quarter-final against Morocco is a rematch of Qatar 2022, but the script has already flipped. Morocco, Africa Cup of Nations champions pending appeal, arrived in the United States with a side brimming with confidence and swagger. They fielded just four players from the team that lost to France in Qatar, signalling a new era under a more dynamic and self-assured squad. Their 2-1 win over Canada last weekend was built on energy and organisation, traits that could trouble a French side still finding its rhythm.

Didier Deschamps has reshaped his starting XI too. Only three players from the Qatar semi-final lineup started against Paraguay, with centre-back William Saliba and creative midfielder Michael Olise stepping into key roles. Kylian Mbappé remains the focal point, chasing both the Golden Boot and the record for most World Cup goals in history. France have lost half of their World Cup matches this century to African teams, a stat that underlines the scale of Morocco’s challenge. The Atlas Lions, meanwhile, have not lost in 34 matches and will arrive in Atlanta Stadium with the belief that this time, the script can be rewritten.

Morocco’s defensive structure under Walid Regragui has been built on rapid transitions and a mid-block that compresses space. Against Canada, they conceded just six shots on target despite facing 21 attempts, a testament to goalkeeper Yassine Bounou’s influence and the defensive discipline of centre-backs Romain Saïss and Jawad El Yamiq. France, by contrast, have struggled to break down low blocks this tournament, managing just one goal in open play in their last two matches. If Morocco can replicate their Canadian performance, they may force Deschamps’ side into unforced errors in wide areas, where Ousmane Dembélé and Kingsley Coman can exploit one-on-one situations.

Spain vs Belgium: when attack meets stubborn defence

Spain and Belgium meet in a clash of styles: Spain’s possession-based control against Belgium’s direct, attacking football. Belgium have already scored 13 goals at this World Cup, the third-highest tally behind Argentina and France. Their firepower has been unleashed in successive wins over New Zealand, Senegal and the USA, with Romelu Lukaku contributing three goals off the bench at an average of one every 67 minutes. Leandro Trossard has also been pivotal, laying on two assists in those games, a sign of Belgium’s fluid and incisive approach.

Spain, meanwhile, have navigated their group and knockout stages with methodical efficiency. Their defence remains resolute, conceding just two goals in five matches, and their midfield continues to dictate tempo with precision. The question is whether Belgium’s forwards can pierce Spain’s disciplined backline. Lukaku’s physical presence and Trossard’s creativity will be key, but Spain’s ability to stifle transitions and recycle possession could frustrate Belgium’s rhythm. This is a match where individual brilliance may need to overcome collective organisation.

Belgium’s attacking shape has evolved under Tite, shifting from a traditional 4-3-3 to a 3-4-2-1 in possession, with Lukaku operating as the lone striker and Trossard and Jérémy Doku providing width. Against the USA, their high press forced 18 turnovers in the final third, leading to three of their four goals. Spain, however, have conceded just one goal from open play in their last 12 World Cup matches, and their full-backs, notably Jesús Navas and Alejandro Balde, have been crucial in both defensive transitions and overlapping runs. If Belgium can bypass Spain’s midfield press, they may find Lukaku isolated against defenders like Aymeric Laporte and Robin Le Normand, who have been imperious in aerial duels this tournament.

Tactical chess: set-pieces, substitutions and second-half shifts

Across these four ties, set-pieces and substitutions will likely decide tight games. Morocco’s aerial threat and France’s defensive organisation could make dead-ball situations decisive, while Belgium’s direct style and Spain’s structured pressing may force turnovers in dangerous areas. Substitutions will be crucial, especially for teams like Belgium who have relied on late goals from Lukaku, and France who may need fresh legs to break down Morocco’s resolute defence. The second half of these matches could hinge on who adapts quicker, who maintains intensity, and who can exploit the smallest of margins.

Morocco’s set-piece threat has been a cornerstone of their campaign, with five of their eight goals coming from dead-ball situations. Against Canada, they scored twice from corners, exploiting the physicality of Saïss and El Yamiq against a Canadian side that struggled with aerial duels. France, meanwhile, have conceded just one goal from set-pieces in their last 12 World Cup matches, but their vulnerability to quick transitions could be exposed if Morocco win a corner and immediately launch a counter. For Belgium, set-pieces have been less of a focus, but Lukaku’s ability to win fouls in the box could create opportunities against Spain’s high line. The substitutions of Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne in previous matches have often shifted Belgium into a more direct 4-2-4 shape, a tactical tweak that could unsettle Spain’s midfield.

A World Cup at a crossroads

The quarter-finals offer a snapshot of football’s global stage: African dynamism, European precision, South American flair and the relentless pursuit of glory. France and Morocco’s rematch carries the emotional weight of past battles, while Spain and Belgium’s clash tests the limits of attack versus defence. England’s challenge against the conquerors of France adds another layer of intrigue, and Argentina’s meeting with the Netherlands revisits a fiery rivalry that could explode again.

These are not just games; they are turning points that will shape the narrative of this World Cup. The stakes are higher than ever, the stories more compelling, and the football more unpredictable. The next four days will decide who survives, who thrives, and who falls just short of history.