The 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals begin Thursday with eight teams remaining after 95 matches eliminated co-hosts Canada, Mexico, and the United States alongside Brazil and Germany. Reigning champions Argentina join Belgium, England, France, Morocco, Norway, Spain, and Switzerland in the final eight, all three wins from the July 19 final in New Jersey.

France enter as tournament favorites after winning all five matches, scoring 14 goals behind Kylian Mbappé's seven goals and two assists. Mbappé's 19 goals in 19 appearances trails only Lionel Messi in World Cup history. Morocco advanced via a stoppage-time header from Issa Diop and penalty shootout win over Netherlands before dispatching Canada 3-0. Captain Achraf Hakimi anchors the Atlas Lions, though striker Ismael Saibari carries a hamstring issue after joining Bayern Munich mid-tournament.

Spain remain the only side yet to concede, grinding through Group H and edging Portugal 1-0 on Mikel Oyarzabal's 90th-minute winner. With Lamine Yamal and Rodri building fitness, Luis de la Fuente's European champions face Belgium Friday in Inglewood. Oyarzabal has emerged as the primary attacking threat while Yamal recovers.

DraftKings lists France at -370 against Morocco (+285), with seven of eight ESPN predictors selecting Les Bleus. Spain's defensive solidity makes them dangerous, but France's attacking depth — Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise combining for 14 goals — presents a ceiling Morocco's fatigue may not withstand.