The FIFA World Cup 2026 has already delivered a month of unforgettable football, packed with drama, joy, heartbreak and, of course, plenty of goals. In this edition of our World Cup diary, we look ahead to the quarter-finals and highlight some of the biggest talking points from the tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
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Quarter-Final #1: France vs Morocco
The first FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final sees France take on Morocco. Two-time champions France reached the last eight thanks to a 1-0 victory over Paraguay, while reigning African champions Morocco impressed with a commanding 3-0 win against Canada. Les Bleus enter the match in excellent form, having gone 12 competitive matches unbeaten.
Morocco will be looking to avenge its 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-final defeat against France. The Atlas Lions are unbeaten in their last 10 matches and have once again emerged as one of the tournament’s standout performers. However, with Kylian Mbappé leading the French attack, France remains one of the favourites to win the 2026 World Cup and advance to another semi-final.
OlyBet odds: France 1.62 – Draw 3.88 – Morocco 6.30
Quarter-Final #2: Norway vs England
Norway has already become one of the biggest stories of the FIFA World Cup 2026 by reaching the quarter-finals for the first time in its history. After finishing second in Group I, the Nordic nation defeated Côte d’Ivoire and then stunned five-time world champions Brazil 2-1 in the Round of 16 with Erling Haaland leading the charge.
England, meanwhile, has reached the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals for the 11th time and will be aiming to return to the semi-finals. The Three Lions topped Group L before overcoming DR Congo and co-hosts Mexico in two hard-fought knockout matches. Though most bookmakers see England as favourites, one question remains: does Harry Kane still have what it takes to fire the 1966 champions into another World Cup semi-final?
OlyBet odds: Norway 4.20 – Draw 3.75 – England 1.88
Quarter-Final #3: Spain vs Belgium
Spain has lived up to its status as one of the favourites to win the FIFA World Cup 2026. The reigning European champions stormed into the quarter-finals by beating Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32 and then eliminating Portugal thanks to a dramatic stoppage-time winner from Mikel Merino. Luis de la Fuente’s side has been one of the most complete teams at the tournament so far, becoming the only nation yet to concede a goal.
Belgium, meanwhile, bounced back from its disappointing 2022 group-stage exit to reach the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals. Though the Red Devils needed extra time to overcome Senegal in the Round of 32, they did produce an impressive 4-1 victory against hosts USA in the Round of 16. While Spain enters the match as the favourite, Belgium has already shown throughout the tournament that it should not be underestimated.
OlyBet odds: Spain 1.65 – Draw 3.98 – Belgium 5.60.
Quarter-Final #4: Argentina vs Switzerland
Argentina has entertained fans like no other team at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The defending champions cruised through the group stage before being pushed to the limit in the knockout rounds, needing extra time to beat Cape Verde and a stunning comeback from 0-2 down to eliminate Egypt. Lionel Messi has once again been the driving force behind Argentina’s success and currently leads the Golden Boot race.
Switzerland, meanwhile, has quietly put together an impressive campaign. After winning its group ahead of Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar, the Swiss knocked out Algeria before overcoming Colombia on penalties. Argentina enters the quarter-final as the clear favourite, but Switzerland’s disciplined defence and ability to grind out results could make this one of the most intriguing FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals.
OlyBet odds: Argentina 1.72 – Draw 3.45 – Switzerland 5.60
FIFA World Cup Awards
In addition to the famous World Cup trophy, several individual awards are handed out during the FIFA World Cup:
- Golden Ball – awarded to the tournament’s best player
- Golden Boot – awarded to the tournament’s top goalscorer
- Golden Glove – awarded to the tournament’s best goalkeeper
- FIFA Young Player Award – awarded to the best player under 21 years of age at the start of the calendar year
- FIFA Fair Play Award – awarded to the team with the best disciplinary record among those that progressed from the group stage
While the awards listed above are decided either according to pre-established criteria or by the FIFA Technical Study Group, there are also two honours where fans can have their say:
- Goal of the Tournament – fans’ best goal scored during the tournament
- Most Entertaining Team – team that has entertained the public the most throughout the tournament
Who Will Win the Golden Boot?
Ahead of the quarter-finals, the race for the FIFA World Cup Golden Boot remains extremely close, with four players still in contention for the award. At OlyBet, you can place your bet on while will win the Golden Boot.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Top Scorers Ahead of the Quarter-Finals
- Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 8 goals | 1 assist | 468 minutes
- Kylian Mbappé (France) – 7 goals | 2 assists | 482 minutes
- Erling Braut Haaland (Norway) – 7 goals | 1 assist | 416 minutes
- Harry Kane (England) – 6 goals | 1 assist | 489 minutes
If two or more players finish level on goals, tie-breakers are used. Assists are considered first, and if those are also equal, the player with fewer minutes played is ranked higher.
How to Bet Responsibly During the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Avoid betting based on emotion
- Manage your bankroll responsibly
- Never chase losses with additional bets
- Analyse each match individually
- Enjoy the tournament – football should always come first
- Use our sports betting app to keep your bets under control.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is a fantastic opportunity to experience sports betting at its very best – more matches, more markets, more excitement and countless moments worth talking about.
A good strategy, thorough analysis and a responsible approach can turn every match into an enjoyable experience.
Be sure to keep an eye on OlyBet’s sportsbook section, where we regularly feature special World Cup offers that football fans won’t want to miss.
FAQ: FIFA World Cup 2026
Who are the favourites to win the FIFA World Cup 2026?
France, Spain and Argentina are among the leading contenders based on their performances so far.
Who is leading the Golden Boot race?
Lionel Messi is leading the Golden Boot race with eight goals; Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland are trailing him with seven.
Which team has yet to concede a goal at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Spain remains the only team that has not conceded a goal at the tournament.
