Geopolitics World Cup Quarter-Finals Begin After 96 Games Cut Field to 8
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 9
Geopolitics World Cup Quarter-Finals Begin After 96 Games Cut Field to 8
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 9
Summary
Eight teams open the quarter-finals after 96 matches trimmed the expanded Geopolitics World Cup from 48 entrants to a final eight.
Friday’s lineup is France vs Morocco, Spain vs Belgium, Norway vs England and Argentina vs Switzerland, with France-Morocco a rematch of the 2022 semi-final.
Morocco arrive as Afcon champions after a 3-0 win over Canada, while Belgium surged into the last eight by routing the United States and Spain advanced despite a stumble against Cape Verde.
Norway and England bring the Haaland-Kane spotlight but have relied on deeper team play, while Argentina have leaned heavily on Lionel Messi after narrow wins over Cape Verde and Egypt.
The quarter-finals begin despite the exits of Germany, the Netherlands and Brazil, preserving the tournament’s high-stakes knockout phase even in its expanded format.