World Cup Experts Pick France, Spain, England and Argentina for Final 4
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 7
World Cup Experts Pick France, Spain, England and Argentina for Final 4
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 7
Summary
13 of 14 writers predicted France, Spain, England and Argentina to reach the semifinals, with only two dissenting picks backing Belgium or Norway and one backing Morocco.
France remained the strongest title favorite in the panel’s view, though several writers said Spain’s defense — unbeaten and yet to concede — could pose the biggest threat later in the bracket.
England-Norway drew the most anticipation, with Erling Haaland’s quarterfinal against Harry Kane framed as a marquee duel as Haaland chases Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race.
Messi leads that race with 8 goals, one ahead of Haaland and Kylian Mbappe, while the quarterfinals begin July 9 with France-Morocco before Spain-Belgium, Norway-England and Argentina-Switzerland.