World Cup 2026 Briefing: Quarterfinals Begin July 9
France vs. Morocco kicks off the final eight as title odds harden and Mbappé leads the Golden Boot race
2026 FIFA World Cup — Quarterfinal Day 1 Briefing: July 9
What the odds say
2026 FIFA World Cup
The quarterfinals open today after the World Cup's first full rest day since June 11. Yesterday's slate was blank — Wednesday, July 8 delivered no match action — but the Round of 16 wrapped conclusively on Tuesday:
defending champion Argentina survived a near-elimination against Egypt, trailing 2-0 in the 78th minute before scoring three goals in 13 minutes, with Messi providing a goal and assist in a four-minute window and Enzo Fernández's 93rd-minute strike sealing the comeback.
Switzerland meanwhile eliminated Colombia 0-0 on penalties (4-3), joining Argentina, Spain, France, Morocco, Belgium, Norway, and England in the final eight.
As of July 9, France enter today's action as clear title favourites at +180, having shortened dramatically from their pre-tournament price of +500. Today's marquee match is France vs. Morocco at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough — a rematch of the 2022 semifinal — kicking off at 4 p.m. ET. The full quarterfinal picture and live tournament odds are updated in real time at WeeBet's World Cup hub: weebet.com/events/world-cup-2026. Please bet responsibly.
- France title odds (as of Jul 9)+0France
- Spain title odds+0Spain
- Argentina title odds+0Argentina
- Mbappé goals (tournament)0Golden Boot leader
- Haaland goals (4 apps)0Norway
- France goals conceded05 games played
The Road That Got Us Here
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached the quarterfinals with all four matchups set following the conclusion of the Round of 16. All three co-hosts are out: Canada was knocked out by Morocco, Mexico fell to England, and the USMNT was eliminated by Belgium.
France is the only team to have won all five of their matches without needing extra time. Morocco is the first African nation to advance to the final eight in back-to-back World Cups. Norway had only gotten out of the group stage once in three previous appearances — and behind Erling Haaland, they have impressed so far, having knocked out Brazil.
Argentina and Lionel Messi survived dramatic finishes against Cape Verde and Egypt to reach the quarterfinals for the fifth time in their last seven appearances.
Switzerland is in the quarterfinals of the World Cup for the first time in over 70 years.
Title Odds Landscape: France Pulling Clear
France and Spain are atop the World Cup winner odds board. The French have taken clear control as favourites, moving to +180 from +500 at the start of the tournament. Spain, meanwhile, has improved to +370 from +450.
At one point in Argentina's Round of 16 match against Egypt, their odds to win the title sat as high as +4500. After their historic comeback, Argentina stand at +390 to win the World Cup.
England beat Mexico 3-2 in arguably the most riveting game of the tournament at Estadio Azteca. Prior to that win, England were priced at +1000 in tournament futures. Harry Kane and Co. are now the +450 fourth choice, right on the heels of Spain and Argentina.
Track every shift as quarterfinal results land at the WeeBet World Cup Live Odds Hub — prices update tick by tick throughout each match.
Today's Match: France vs. Morocco — Gillette Stadium, 4 p.m. ET
This is the standout fixture of the quarterfinal round.
It is a hotly anticipated rematch of the 2022 Qatar semifinal, when Morocco's fairytale run was ended by the then-defending champions.
Spearheaded by Golden Boot leader Kylian Mbappé and boasting a tantalising trio of Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola, France have arguably the most lethal and enviable attacking unit in the tournament. But the next challenge in their bid for a third world title is far from easy.
France have won all five games, scoring 14 goals and overpowering teams with the attacking brilliance of Mbappé, Dembélé and Olise. Senegal, Iraq and Norway were comfortably beaten in the group stage before Sweden were dispatched 3-0 in the Round of 32. Paraguay offered a different challenge in the Round of 16, but a second-half Mbappé penalty ensured the 2018 winners progressed.
Morocco made history in 2022 when they became the first African nation to reach a World Cup semifinal. Their next target is the final. Morocco are through to the quarterfinals after beating the Netherlands in the Round of 32 and then Canada in the Round of 16, and in both matchups they were clearly the superior team.
The key injury concern:
Morocco's star striker Saibari — who joined Bayern Munich mid-tournament — has a hamstring problem. To hold Mbappé, Olise and Dembélé at bay, Morocco will need to be at full capacity.
Disciplinary risk for France:
Midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni is doubtful with an adductor injury. Three France players — Olise, Barcola and Manu Koné — were booked in the last game and risk a ban should they pick up another yellow card against Morocco.
France vs. Morocco — Tournament Snapshot (as of Jul 9)
| Metric | France | Morocco |
|---|---|---|
| Games played | 5 | 5 |
| Goals scored | 14 | 7 |
| Goals conceded | 2 | 3 |
| Lead scorer | Mbappé (7) | Saibari (3) |
| Penalties needed | No | Yes (R32) |
| Title odds (to-win) | +180 | +1100 |
The Wider Quarterfinal Picture: Three More Matches on Deck
The quarterfinal schedule continues Friday, July 10, with Spain vs. Belgium at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood (3 p.m. ET); Saturday, July 11, brings Norway vs. England at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens (5 p.m. ET); and Argentina vs. Switzerland at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City (9 p.m. ET).
Spain vs. Belgium (Friday):
Spain have still not allowed a goal in this tournament. They will face Belgium, which dominated the USA in the Round of 16, winning 4-1.
Spain beat Portugal 1-0 on a stoppage-time Mikel Merino goal to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since their 2010 championship run. La Roja are now unbeaten in 35 straight games since March 2024, tying the longest undefeated run in team history.
Norway vs. England (Saturday):
Norway coach Stålé Solbakken rested Haaland in the group stage against France with qualification confirmed. Haaland made up for it by scoring the winner against Ivory Coast in the Round of 32 before grabbing both goals in a 2-1 win over Brazil.
The Manchester City striker, who had never played in the World Cup before, now has seven goals in four games — looking anonymous at times before producing match-winning contributions.
England's path has been
tested by a win over co-hosts Mexico at Azteca, where they overcame a fierce crowd, altitude fears, a red card and a late onslaught via a Jude Bellingham brace and a Kane penalty.
Argentina vs. Switzerland (Saturday):
An argument can be made that Switzerland advancing to the quarterfinals over a World Cup dark horse in Colombia is an accomplishment in itself — but Switzerland won't be thinking that way, certainly not after Argentina was nearly upset in the Round of 16. Write Switzerland off at your own risk.
Golden Boot Race: Mbappé and Haaland at the Summit
Heading into the quarterfinals, France's Kylian Mbappé is leading the race for the Golden Boot award with seven goals and two assists.
Mbappé edges over Dembélé (four goals, two assists) and Olise (five assists). His World Cup record stands at 19 goals in 19 appearances — a figure bettered only by Lionel Messi — as he drives France's push for a third title.
Haaland grabbed both goals in Norway's 2-1 win over Brazil to reach the quarterfinals. His seven goals in four appearances extended his streak to 14 consecutive Norway appearances with a goal — 27 overall in that run, and 62 Norway goals in total.
What to Watch Today
Morocco's defensive wall vs. France's width.
Morocco's hopes lie squarely on their defence and keeper Yassine Bounou standing strong, while their forwards take advantage of any opportunities they can create on the break.
France's attacking width via Olise and Barcola will test Morocco's full-backs, including captain Achraf Hakimi, who may be needed to do double duty offensively and defensively.
Mbappé's yellow-card discipline. With Olise, Barcola and Koné already on bookings, France need their key men to stay composed. Any tactical fouling by Morocco near the halfway line will add pressure to the disciplinary situation.
Morocco's set-piece threat.
Midfielder Azzedine Ounahi scored twice against Canada, while Brahim Díaz and Achraf Hakimi combined for three assists
— set plays and quick transitions remain Morocco's best route to a goal.
Live match odds, anytime-scorer markets, and match result event contracts are all available — and updating in real time — at WeeBet's World Cup hub: /events/world-cup-2026. All betting and event contract participation is for adults 18+. Please gamble responsibly and within your means.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the favourites to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup as of July 9?
France are the clear favourites to win the 2026 World Cup, having moved to +180 from a pre-tournament price of +500. Spain are second at +370, having shortened from +450 at the start.
Argentina, after their dramatic comeback against Egypt, sit at +390.
Who is leading the Golden Boot at the 2026 World Cup?
Heading into the quarterfinals, France's Kylian Mbappé leads the Golden Boot race with seven goals and two assists at the 2026 World Cup.
Erling Haaland of Norway also has seven goals but in one fewer game involving a full 90-minute appearance, with Mbappé's superior assist tally giving the Frenchman the statistical edge.
When is the 2026 World Cup Final, and where?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final takes place on Sunday, July 19, with a 3 p.m. ET kickoff at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
After 103 matches have been played, the two surviving nations will meet at New York New Jersey Stadium in what is expected to be one of the biggest sporting events ever held in the United States.
What happened to all three co-host nations?
All three co-hosts are eliminated. Canada was knocked out by Morocco, Mexico fell to England, and the USMNT was eliminated by Belgium in the Round of 16.
Team USA were beaten 4-1 by Belgium, falling off the World Cup futures odds board in the process.
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