World Cup Quarterfinals: The Road to the Final Begins
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached its decisive phase, with the quarterfinals kicking off today, July 9. After a dramatic Round of 16 that saw defending champions Argentina survive a late scare against Egypt, Norway shock five-time winners Brazil, and Spain eliminate Portugal in stoppage time, only eight teams remain in the hunt for football’s greatest prize.
The quarterfinal matchups promise high drama, elite talent, and golden opportunities for bettors at MK Sports. With the tournament co-hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the atmosphere has been electric — and the action is only getting hotter.
Thursday, July 9: France vs Morocco — Boston
Kickoff: 4:00 PM ET at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough
France enter as tournament favorites after a dominant group stage and a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the Round of 16. Kylian Mbappé has been electric, leading the line with pace and precision. Les Bleus boast the deepest squad in the tournament and will look to control possession against a disciplined Moroccan side.
Morocco, the first African nation to reach back-to-back World Cup quarterfinals, stunned co-host Canada 3-0 in the Round of 16. Their defensive organization under coach Walid Regragui has been exceptional, conceding just one goal in four matches. Achraf Hakimi and Sofyan Amrabat anchor a midfield that frustrates even the best attacks.
MK Sports Betting Tip: France to win and both teams to score offers excellent value at competitive odds. Morocco’s defensive resilience suggests a tight contest, but France’s firepower should ultimately prevail.
Friday, July 10: Spain vs Belgium — Inglewood
Kickoff: 12:00 PM ET at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood
Spain’s young squad has been one of the most impressive stories of the tournament. Lamine Yamal and Pedri have orchestrated a free-flowing attack that dismantled Austria 3-0 in the Round of 16 before a dramatic late victory over Portugal. Mikel Merino’s stoppage-time winner sent Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal packing in an emotional farewell.
Belgium’s golden generation continues to deliver. After a 3-2 extra-time thriller against Senegal, they followed up with a clinical performance to eliminate the United States in the Round of 16. Kevin De Bruyne remains the creative heartbeat, while Romelu Lukaku’s physical presence poses problems for any defense.
MK Sports Betting Tip: Over 2.5 goals is the play here. Both teams play attacking football, and with Spain’s relentless possession and Belgium’s counter-attacking speed, goals are expected at both ends.
Saturday, July 11: Norway vs England
Kickoff: TBC
This is the match that has captured global attention. Erling Haaland’s Norway produced the upset of the tournament, sending five-time champions Brazil home in the Round of 16. Haaland scored a brace, cementing his status as the tournament’s most dangerous striker. Norway’s direct, physical style has troubled every opponent they’ve faced.
England needed a stunning comeback to overcome host nation Mexico 3-2 in the Round of 16, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice inside three first-half minutes. Harry Kane’s penalty sealed the win, but defensive vulnerabilities remain — England have conceded in every knockout match so far.
MK Sports Betting Tip: Haaland to score anytime is almost a certainty given his form. Consider adding England to qualify to this bet for a boosted accumulator — England’s tournament experience could prove decisive in a tight contest.
Saturday, July 11: Argentina vs Switzerland
Kickoff: TBC
Lionel Messi has been operating on another level. The Argentine captain scored a hat-trick against Cape Verde and led a remarkable late comeback against Egypt in the Round of 16, scoring twice and assisting the winner. With eight goals, Messi leads the Golden Boot race ahead of Mbappé and Haaland. His tears after the Egypt win showed just how much this campaign means to him.
Switzerland continue to defy expectations. After topping their group, they eliminated Colombia on penalties in a tense Round of 16 encounter. Granit Xhaka and Manuel Akanji provide the spine, while Breel Embolo offers pace on the counter. The Swiss are organized, disciplined, and dangerous on set pieces.
MK Sports Betting Tip: Argentina to win and Messi to score is the headline bet. Argentina’s attacking form under pressure and Messi’s supernatural form make this a compelling pick, even against Switzerland’s stubborn defense.
Golden Boot Race Heats Up
The race for the Golden Boot is wide open as we enter the quarterfinals. Lionel Messi leads with eight goals, followed by Kylian Mbappé (6), Erling Haaland (6), and Harry Kane (5). With each match potentially being the last for these superstars, the stakes could not be higher.
Messi’s eight goals already match his total from the 2022 tournament, and with two more matches to reach the final, breaking the record is well within reach. Haaland’s physical dominance and Mbappé’s explosive pace mean neither can be counted out.
MK Sports: Your Home for World Cup Betting
The 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals offer some of the most exciting betting opportunities of the tournament. Whether you’re backing Messi to continue his magical run, Haaland to upset England, or France to cruise past Morocco, MK Sports has the best odds and the widest range of markets.
From match winners and correct scores to anytime goalscorers and tournament specials, MK Sports covers every angle. Sign up today and get the best World Cup betting experience with competitive odds, live betting, and instant payouts.