New york: The FIFA World Cup 2026 is entering its final furlong with only eight teams remaining in the competition, setting the stage for the climactic showdown at New York/New Jersey Stadium on 19 July. Notably, this edition marks the first time in World Cup history that neither Brazil nor Germany has reached the quarter-finals, a departure from tradition that has seen both teams often dominate the tournament's later stages.
According to Emirates News Agency, a total of 48 teams embarked on the quest for global football glory, but only eight remain. The absence of Brazil and Germany is unprecedented, with at least one of these football powerhouses typically advancing to the quarter-finals in previous tournaments. Germany's early exits in 1938, 1950, 2018, and 2022, and Brazil's in 1934, 1966, and 1990, never coincided until now.
Among the current quarter-finalists, Argentina, England, France, and Morocco have successfully repeated their 2022 performance by reaching this stage again. This scenario sets the stage for the possibility of two consecutive finals featuring the same teams, a rarity not seen since Argentina and West Germany's back-to-back finals in 1986 and 1990.
The quarter-final lineup includes four former World Cup champions-Argentina, France, England, and Spain-while Belgium, Morocco, Switzerland, and Norway are pursuing their first title. Norway's remarkable journey, led by Erling Haaland, has seen them eliminate Brazil, marking their inaugural quarter-final appearance. England, with the most quarter-final appearances among the remaining teams, prepares to face Norway next.
Morocco, the first African team to reach consecutive World Cup quarter-finals, is set to face 2022 semi-final rivals France. The quarter-finals composition mirrors the 2018 tournament with one African team, one South American nation, and six European sides.
Six group winners-Switzerland, Belgium, Spain, France, Argentina, and England-are still in contention. Morocco and Norway, finishing second in their respective groups, join them, leaving no third-placed teams in this stage. France remains unbeaten, while Argentina has only required extra time once. Spain's defense stands out, having yet to concede a goal, reminiscent of Italy's 1990 performance.
As the tournament progresses, the attacking prowess of France and Argentina, each with 14 goals, is matched by Belgium with 13. Norway, with 12 goals, and the rest of the quarter-finalists follow closely. The competition promises to deliver thrilling matches as teams vie for a place in the final and potentially create new World Cup history.