World Cup quarter-finals set as eight teams stay in title race

WASHINGTON: The World Cup has been cut to eight remaining sides, with the quarter-finals beginning on Thursday in the United States and featuring France, Morocco, Spain, Belgium, Norway, England, Argentina and Switzerland.

All four quarter-final ties will be played in the United States. France meet Morocco in Boston, Spain face Belgium in Los Angeles, Norway take on England in Miami, and Argentina play Switzerland in Kansas City.

France and Morocco renew recent rivalry

France have advanced through the tournament in convincing fashion, coming through the group stage before beating Sweden and then overcoming Paraguay in the last 16. Didier Deschamps' side head into the quarter-final with a high-powered attack that includes Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola and Michael Olise.

Morocco, still unbeaten, reached this stage after eliminating the Netherlands on penalties and then defeating co-hosts Canada 3-0 in the last 16. The North African side are set to revisit a recent World Cup rivalry after losing to France in the semi-finals in Qatar four years ago. Morocco had made history in 2022 by becoming the first African team to reach the last four, and now have the chance to match that run.

Spain chase another shutout, Belgium seek one last push

Spain booked their place in the quarter-finals with a 1-0 win over Portugal on Monday, becoming the first team in World Cup history to register six straight clean sheets. Luis de la Fuente's European champions have built their run on control and efficiency, with Lamine Yamal scoring once in five games and Mikel Oyarzabal netting four times, including two in a 3-0 victory over Austria in the last 32.

Belgium arrive after a 4-1 win over co-hosts the United States. Before that, they recovered from two goals down to beat Senegal 3-2 after extra-time in the last 32. The tournament could mark the final World Cup campaign for members of Belgium's so-called Golden Generation, including Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku.

England face Haaland test as Norway eye semi-final place

England moved on after a 3-2 win over co-hosts Mexico in which they were reduced to 10 men. Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have provided most of the team's attacking output so far, scoring 10 of England's 11 goals, including all three against Mexico. Thomas Tuchel's team had started the tournament among the favourites to win the World Cup for only the second time.

Norway's challenge is led by Erling Haaland, who has scored seven goals in the tournament in his pursuit of the Golden Boot. The Manchester City forward has also scored in each of his past 14 competitive appearances for Norway, with 27 goals across that stretch. England's defenders are familiar with Haaland from the Premier League, but Norway will look to use his form to trouble a defence described as shaky.

Argentina survive scares to set up Switzerland tie

Argentina, the defending champions, have come through two difficult knockout matches to reach the last eight. Lionel Scaloni's side beat World Cup debutants Cape Verde 3-2 after extra-time, and then recovered from 2-0 down against Egypt in the last 16 in a comeback with Lionel Messi central to the action.

They now play Switzerland, who advanced after a goalless draw with Colombia before winning on penalties in Vancouver. The Swiss have reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since hosting the tournament in 1954 and are described as a well-organised side likely to be difficult to break down.