FOX Sports Ranks France No. 1 Among 8 World Cup Quarterfinalists

Q: Can Haaland and Norway's 'golden generation' defy the odds and upset the tournament's established favorites?

Yes — Norway have already shown they can upset elite opposition, and with Erling Haaland in this form they are a credible threat to do it again, even if they remain outsiders to win the tournament. The strongest evidence is already on the field. Norway reached the quarterfinals for the first time in the modern era by beating Brazil 2-1, with Haaland scoring both goals. He has scored in all four of Norway’s wins and is joint-top of the Golden Boot race on seven goals alongside Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi. That gives Norway something few underdogs have at this stage: a striker capable of deciding matches almost alone. But this is not only a Haaland story. Norway’s so-called golden generation also includes Martin Ødegaard, the team’s main creative force, plus a midfield and back line that have looked more organized and resilient than many expected. Analysts have pointed to Norway’s clear structure, effective counterattacks and wide service, with Julian Ryerson adding attacking thrust from full-back. Their display against Brazil suggested they are more than a one-man team. The obstacle is the scale of what remains. To win the World Cup, Norway would likely need to beat England and then two more top-tier sides such as France, Spain or Argentina. That is why FOX’s panel still sees the top four as far more likely champions. Norway can absolutely produce another upset; sustaining that level through three straight knockout rounds is the harder ask.

3 articles · Updated · FOX Sports · Jul 7

France topped FOX Sports' power rankings of the eight remaining 2026 World Cup teams, with Spain second, Argentina third and England fourth after the round of 16.
14-2 and 9-0 goal margins drove the top two picks: France has won all five matches and been labeled the tournament's best attack, while Spain has reached the quarterfinals without conceding.
Argentina stayed third despite two straight escapes — extra time against Cape Verde and a comeback from 2-0 down to beat Egypt — while England's 3-2 win over Mexico kept it close behind.
Belgium, Norway, Morocco and Switzerland filled spots five through eight, with Belgium rising after a 4-1 rout of co-hosts the United States and Norway reaching its first-ever World Cup quarterfinal.
FOX's panel said the title race now looks concentrated in the top four, arguing lower-ranked teams are unlikely to string together three straight wins over elite opponents.