France remains relentless in its pursuit of a second consecutive championship, continuing to be the favorite to win the World Cup after overcoming Paraguay 1-0 in a match it completely dominated, yet raised further questions about its offensive effectiveness. After 96 matches, only eight teams remain, divided between historical powerhouses and rising projects.
Among the survivors, four teams have already lifted the trophy (Argentina, England, France, and Spain), while the others aim to become only the second new champion of this century, following Spain's achievement in 2010. For the third consecutive time, the majority of the quarter-finalists are European, with CONMEBOL represented by just one team—something that has not happened since 2002, the year Brazil became champions. Africa makes history with two quarter-finalists in two consecutive World Cups, and Morocco becomes the first African team to reach two quarter-finals.
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France, despite a lackluster performance against Paraguay, remained comfortable, with 75% possession and 15 shots compared to just 5 from their opponents. “I considered penalizing France for only winning against Paraguay 1-0 from a penalty, but none of the other top teams had truly convincing victories, so France stays at the top,” said the analyst of this ranking. Despite only 0.7 expected goals (excluding penalties), the strength of the French attacking quartet continues to inspire confidence: “France can easily score three goals against any team, and I don’t feel as comfortable saying that about any of the other teams.”
Spain strengthens its second place after a dramatic 1-0 victory over Portugal, with a goal in stoppage time. The Spaniards recorded their lowest possession percentage of the tournament (55%), yet still created more danger: “Spain is the only team that has not conceded a goal in this World Cup. They have allowed only 29 shots, the second-lowest number among the teams still in the competition, and the lowest average shot quality of the tournament.” The absence of Nico Williams takes away some balance from the attack, but the return of Lamine Yamal brought greater dynamism. “If Spain were on the other side of the bracket, I might place them first, but with France lurking in the semifinals, they remain in second.”
Argentina, despite having the easiest path among the favorites, struggled the most to reach the quarter-finals: they defeated Cape Verde only in extra time and staged an epic comeback against Egypt, becoming the first team ever to win a World Cup match in regular time after trailing by two goals with 15 minutes remaining. “Argentina has more players capable of deciding games than any team except France, and benefits from the confidence of those who have already won everything and still have Lionel Messi.”
England remains solid after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico, even playing with one less since the 54th minute due to the dismissal of Jarell Quansah. “Mexico limited itself to crosses into the area, without clear ideas, and part of the credit goes to the English,” it was noted. Nevertheless, doubts persist about the English ability to dismantle defensive walls.
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Norway surprised by eliminating Brazil 2-1, with Erling Haaland scoring his fourth decisive goal in four matches and carrying the team on his shoulders. “Having the best player on the pitch is always an advantage, and Martin Ødegaard is not far behind,” it was emphasized, giving the Norwegians legitimate hopes for another upset.
Morocco confirmed its status as an African powerhouse by beating Canada 3-0, even without dazzling. “This team is better than the one that eliminated Spain on penalties four years ago and challenged France in the semifinals, but needing to take down the two biggest favorites leaves Morocco sixth in this ranking.”
Switzerland, in the quarter-finals for the first time in 72 years, easily eliminated Algeria and only advanced thanks to penalties against Colombia. “Without Johan Manzambi, Switzerland's dynamics plummet,” it was warned, highlighting that the team has scored only one goal in over 300 minutes without the young prodigy.
Belgium, authoritative against the USA (4-1), lost Amadou Onana to a serious injury and will face increased difficulties without the midfielder against the Spanish pressing. Like Morocco, Belgium has enough talent to trouble any opponent, but the path to the final is too demanding.
With eight teams vying for the top, the competition promises intense emotions and surprises right up until the final whistle.
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