FIFA World Cup: Which quarterfinal team has best chance to win the trophy?
Ninety-six games in the books, just eight more matches to come. FIFA World Cup 2026 has lived up to its billing as the biggest of all time, and may yet end up in the conversation as the best tournamen
Ninety-six games in the books, just eight more matches to come. FIFA World Cup 2026 has lived up to its billing as the biggest of all time, and may ye
Read Full Story at Al Jazeera →Why This Matters
With the World Cup expanding to 48 teams in 2026, the quarterfinal stage marks the first true test of whether the tournament can maintain its elite competitive balance. The remaining eight teams represent a rare convergence of tradition and disruption, where established powerhouses must prove they can adapt to a new era of parity.
Background Context
Unlike past editions where a handful of nations dominated, this World Cup has seen historic upsets, with underdogs like Morocco and Japan advancing while traditional giants stumbled. The expansion has also diluted the quality of some matches, but the quarterfinals now demand genuine tactical excellence, as fatigue and fixture congestion become critical factors.
What Happens Next
The next round will likely hinge on which teams can exploit the physical and mental toll of a grueling tournament schedule. Coaches will face impossible choices between resting stars and maintaining momentum, while the expanded format ensures no quarterfinal is a foregone conclusion—even a penalty shootout could carry unprecedented weight.
Bigger Picture
The World Cup’s growth has forced a reckoning for football’s old guard, where tactical innovation now matters more than raw talent. As clubs and federations grapple with dual demands of club football and international duty, the next two weeks could redefine the balance between club and country for generations.
