2026 World Cup Predictor: Day 28
After a rest day yesterday, the World Cup quarter-finals begin today.
A dramatic final day in the Round of 16 saw Argentina come from 0-2 down to defeat Egypt 3-2 in one of the ties of the tournament so far, before Switzerland beat Colombia on penalties after a less eventful goalless clash in Vancouver.
You have to feel for Egypt given the quality they showed on the counter, and they're understandably aggrieved by the officiating in that clash, while I was quite surprised to see Colombia eliminated so Switzerland deserve real credit for taking down such a strong side.
This continues to be a World Cup where the biggest starts are shining. Heading into the quarter-finals, Lionel Messi is already on 8 goals yet faces huge competition for the Golden Boot.
For context, Kylian Mbappe won the 2022 Golden Boot with 8 goals which was the most goals in a tournament since 2002. We haven't seen a player score more than 8 in a World Cup finals since 1970 (Gerd Muller).
Today's schedule:
My own view is that you have to go with France here, with all due respect to Morocco.
I think it's a real shame that Morocco aren't going to have their full attack available. I was pretty gutted when Ez Abde was ruled out of this World Cup a few days before it started as he's had such a good season with Real Betis and he's exactly the kind of player that would be perfect for this clash.
Midfielder Azzedine Ounahi was clinical against Canada and he's clearly a player to watch again here when Morocco get forward, but Abde would have provided the pace out wide that I think Morocco may now lack since Hakimi and Mazraoui will surely need to be more defensive than usual.
I'm excited to see how France perform in what is their biggest test yet, but they've been a joy to watch so far and provided few signs that they aren't going to reach a third consecutive final let alone a place in the semis.
Enjoy the action, everyone. Each of these quarter-finals should be great.
A dramatic final day in the Round of 16 saw Argentina come from 0-2 down to defeat Egypt 3-2 in one of the ties of the tournament so far, before Switzerland beat Colombia on penalties after a less eventful goalless clash in Vancouver.
You have to feel for Egypt given the quality they showed on the counter, and they're understandably aggrieved by the officiating in that clash, while I was quite surprised to see Colombia eliminated so Switzerland deserve real credit for taking down such a strong side.
This continues to be a World Cup where the biggest starts are shining. Heading into the quarter-finals, Lionel Messi is already on 8 goals yet faces huge competition for the Golden Boot.
For context, Kylian Mbappe won the 2022 Golden Boot with 8 goals which was the most goals in a tournament since 2002. We haven't seen a player score more than 8 in a World Cup finals since 1970 (Gerd Muller).
Today
The quarter-finals begin.Today's schedule:
- 🇫🇷 France vs. Morocco 🇲🇦 | Kick-off 16:00 local, 21:00 UK, 22:00 CET/CAT
My own view is that you have to go with France here, with all due respect to Morocco.
I think it's a real shame that Morocco aren't going to have their full attack available. I was pretty gutted when Ez Abde was ruled out of this World Cup a few days before it started as he's had such a good season with Real Betis and he's exactly the kind of player that would be perfect for this clash.
Midfielder Azzedine Ounahi was clinical against Canada and he's clearly a player to watch again here when Morocco get forward, but Abde would have provided the pace out wide that I think Morocco may now lack since Hakimi and Mazraoui will surely need to be more defensive than usual.
I'm excited to see how France perform in what is their biggest test yet, but they've been a joy to watch so far and provided few signs that they aren't going to reach a third consecutive final let alone a place in the semis.
Enjoy the action, everyone. Each of these quarter-finals should be great.
Superbru on X
9 Jul 13:50