Category Archives: 2026 FIFA World Cup

Spain vs Belgium Official Lineups, Friday, 10 July 2026, World Cup Quarterfinals

2026 FIFA World Cup, Official Lineups

Spain vs Belgium Official Lineups, Friday, 10 July 2026, World Cup Quarterfinals

Here are the official starting lineups for Spain vs Belgium in the World Cup Quarterfinals on Friday, July 10, 2026. The match is scheduled to kick off at 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

10-07-2026 19:00
Quarterfinal
Spain
Spain
Belgium
Belgium
2 - 1

 

FIFA Ranking

Spain enters the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal against Belgium as the top-ranked team in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, holding the No. 1 spot. Belgium stands in 8th place globally.

 

How did they reach the Quarterfinals?

🇪🇸     Spain made it to the quarter-finals through a well-rounded team effort and strong structural discipline. They advanced to the final eight without allowing a single goal throughout the tournament. In the Round of 16, they achieved a thrilling 1–0 win over Portugal, thanks to a last-minute goal from Mikel Merino. Earlier in the tournament, they showcased their offensive strength with commanding victories against Saudi Arabia and Austria.

🇧🇪   Belgium reached the quarterfinals after a stunning comeback. Following a challenging group stage, they found their rhythm against New Zealand and secured vital wins. In their Round of 16 match, the Red Devils put on their best display of the tournament, triumphing over the co-hosts USA with a score of 4–1. This victory was driven by the attacking prowess and leadership of Kevin De Bruyne, along with the goal-scoring ability of Romelu Lukaku.

 

👉   Serie A players called up for  🇧🇪   the Belgium National team:
  • AC Milan defender Koni de Winter
  • Napoli midfielder Kevin de Bruyne
  • Atalanta forward Charles de Ketelaere
  • Napoli forward Romelu Lukaku
  • AC Milan forward Alexis Saelemaekers
👉   No Serie A players called up for the Spain National team.

 

🇪🇸    Spain starting lineup: Unai Simón, Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Fabián Ruiz, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Álex Baena, Mikel Oyarzabal.

Substitutes: Eric García, Joan García, Alejandro Grimaldo, Víctor Muñoz, Gavi, Mikel Merino, Pedri, Yéremy Pino, Marc Pubill, Borja Iglesias, Marcos Llorente, Nico Williams, Martín Zubimendi, Ferran Torres, David Raya.

🇧🇪  Belgium starting lineup: Thibaut Courtois, Timothy Castagne, Nathan Ngoy, Brandon Mechele, Maxim De Cuyper, Youri Tielemans, Nicolas Raskin, Leandro Trossard, Kevin De Bruyne, Jérémy Doku, Charles De Ketelaere.

Substitutes: Thomas Meunier, Senne Lammens, Diego Moreira, Arthur Theate, Hans Vanaken, Axel Witsel, Romelu Lukaku, Alexis Saelemaekers, Matias Fernandez-Pardo, Koni De Winter, Joaquin Seys, Dodi Lukébakio, Mike Penders.

Spain
Belgium

Starting lineups

23
Unai Simón
Goalkeeper
14
Aymeric Laporte
Defender
24
Marc Cucurella
Defender
22
Pau Cubarsí
Defender
12
Pedro Porro
Defender
15
Álex Baena
Midfielder
55'
8
Fabián Ruiz
Midfielder
55'
16
Rodri
Midfielder
10
Dani Olmo
Attacker
86'
19
Lamine Yamal
Attacker
21
Mikel Oyarzabal
Attacker
79'
1
Thibaut Courtois
Goalkeeper
71'
4
Brandon Mechele
Defender
5
Maxim De Cuyper
Defender
60'
25
Nathan Ngoy
Defender
21
Timothy Castagne
Defender
20
Hans Vanaken
Midfielder
60'
7
Kevin De Bruyne
Midfielder
86'
23
Nicolas Raskin
Midfielder
17
Charles De Ketelaere
Attacker
11
Jérémy Doku
Attacker
10
Leandro Trossard
Attacker
60'

Substitutes

1
David Raya
Goalkeeper
4
Eric García
Defender
9
Gavi
Midfielder
5
Marcos Llorente
Midfielder
18
Martín Zubimendi
Midfielder
3
Alejandro Grimaldo
Defender
13
Joan García
Goalkeeper
2
Marc Pubill
Defender
26
Borja Iglesias
Attacker
11
Yéremy Pino
Attacker
25
Víctor Muñoz
Attacker
7
Ferran Torres
Attacker
55'
20
Pedri
Midfielder
55'
17
Nico Williams
Attacker
79'
6
Mikel Merino
Midfielder
86'
16
Koni De Winter
Defender
3
Arthur Theate
Defender
15
Thomas Meunier
Defender
26
Matias Fernandez-Pardo
Attacker
14
Dodi Lukébakio
Attacker
13
Mike Penders
Goalkeeper
19
Diego Moreira
Attacker
9
Romelu Lukaku
Attacker
60'
6
Axel Witsel
Midfielder
60'
18
Joaquin Seys
Defender
60'
12
Senne Lammens
Goalkeeper
71'
22
Alexis Saelemaekers
Midfielder
86'

 

The SoFi Stadium is ready for Spain vs Belgium

 

 

Spain   Spain World Cup Squad:
  • Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), David Raya (Arsenal), Joan Garcia (Barcelona).
  • Defenders: Marc Cucurella (Chelsea), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao), Marc Pubill (Atletico Madrid), Eric Garcia (Barcelona), Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid), Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur).
  • Midfielders: Pedri (Barcelona), Fabian Ruiz (PSG), Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal), Gavi (Barcelona), Rodri (Manchester City), Alex Baena (Atletico Madrid), Mikel Merino (Spain).
  • Forwards: Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Borja Iglesias (Celta de Vigo), Víctor Muñoz (Osasuna), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
Belgium   Belgium World Cup 2026 Squad: 
  • Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Senne Lammens (Manchester United), Mike Penders (Racing Strasbourg)
  • Defenders: Timothy Castagne (Fulham), Zeno Debast (Sporting), Maxim de Cuyper (Brighton), Koni de Winter (AC Milan), Brandon Mechele (Club Brugge), Thomas Meunier (Lille), Nathan Ngoy (Lille), Joaquin Seys (Club Brugge), Arthur Theate (Eintracht Frankfurt)
  • Midfielders: Kevin de Bruyne (Napoli), Amadou Onana (Aston Villa), Nicolas Raskin (Rangers), Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa), Hans Vanaken (Club Brugge), Axel Witsel (Girona)
  • Forwards: Charles de Ketelaere (Atalanta), Jeremy Doku (Manchester City), Matias Fernandez-Pardo (Lille), Romelu Lukaku (Napoli), Dodi Lukebakio (Benfica), Diego Moreira (Strasbourg), Alexis Saelemaekers (AC Milan), Leandro Trossard (Arsenal).

 

Spain’s official starting lineup against Belgium

Image

Photo credit x.com/

 

Belgium’s official starting lineup against Spain

Image

Credit via x.com/BelRedDevils

 

Atalanta forward Charles de Ketelaere is ready to play for Belgium

Image

 

Napoli midfielder Kevin De Bruyne set for Belgium

Image

 

 

 

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Sports Events 365 2026 FIFA World Cup Quarterfinals

🇪🇸   Spain – Belgium    🇧🇪

Date: Friday, July 10, 2026.
Kicks off at 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT
Venue: SoFi Stadium
Inglewood, California

Referee: Michael Oliver ENG
Assistant Referee 1: Stuart Burt ENG
Assistant Referee 2: James Mainwaring ENG
Fourth Official: Ramon Abatti BRA
Reserve AR: Rafael Alves BRA
Video Assistant Referee: Jarred Gillett ENG
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1 : Ivan Bebek CRO
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 : Joe Dickerson USA
Standby Video Assistant Referee: Mahmoud Ashour EGY
Standby Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Antonio Garcia URU

 

 

Match preview: France vs Morocco

Match Analytics 2026 World Cup

France will attempt to book their place in a third straight FIFA World Cup semi-final when they face Morocco at Boston Stadium on Thursday.

Didier Deschamps’ team won the competition in 2018 before finishing second four years later, losing the 2022 final to Argentina after defeating Morocco in the semi-finals. A victory this time would see Les Bleus become just the third country to reach the last four in three consecutive tournaments, matching the achievements of Germany and Brazil.

France faced their biggest challenge of the tournament so far in the last-16 stage against Paraguay. The match was tense and physical despite the South Americans avoiding any yellow cards, as they tried to disrupt France’s rhythm and unsettle their opponents.

However, Les Bleus remained composed and eventually secured a 1-0 victory, with Kylian Mbappé converting a penalty in the 70th minute. The goal moved Mbappé to seven strikes at the tournament, putting him level with Erling Haaland and just one behind Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race.

Date: Thursday, July 9, 2026
Kick-off Time: 16:00 Boston local time (UTC-4)
Venue: Boston Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
Venue Capacity: 65,878
Opponents: France vs. Morocco (Quarter-final)
This fixture marks a rematch of their iconic 2022 World Cup semi-final, which ended in a 2-0 victory for France. That result ended Morocco’s historic fairytale run, bringing an intense competitive rivalry to their clash on the global stage

Mbappé and Olise drive dangerous French attack

Mbappé has been one of France’s most influential players at the World Cup, adding two assists to his goal tally while also creating 12 chances for his teammates. Only Michael Olise has produced more chances for Les Bleus, while Olise also leads the team in defensive line-breaking passes with eight.

The attacking duo have played a major role in France’s impressive performances, with Olise achieving a rare statistical milestone. The midfielder became the first player since Brazil legend Zico in 1978 to record more than 10 successful dribbles, over 10 open-play chances created, and over 10 through balls during his debut World Cup campaign.

France has also benefited from the form of Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembélé, helping the team extend their winning run in competitive matches to seven games. Deschamps’ side have won 11 of their last 12 competitive fixtures, with their only exception being a draw.

A victory over Morocco would give France eight consecutive competitive wins, something they have not achieved since a 14-match streak between September 2002 and June 2004.

Last 5 France matches stats

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup

Paraguay 0 – 1 France

France 3 – 0 Sweden

Norway 1 – 4 France

France 3 – 0 Iraq

France 3 – 1 Senegal

2026/07/05

2026/07/01

2026/06/26

2026/06/23

2026/06/16

Morocco rely on Díaz and Hakimi before major test

Morocco will face a difficult task trying to stop France’s attacking momentum, especially if Ismael Saibari is unavailable. The midfielder scored in every group-stage match but was forced off during the first half of the 3-0 last-16 win over Canada because of a thigh problem.

If Saibari cannot recover in time, the Atlas Lions will need Brahim Díaz and Achraf Hakimi to continue producing decisive performances. Since the beginning of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Díaz has been Morocco’s most productive player in terms of goal contributions, registering six goals and four assists across all competitions.

Hakimi has also been a key creative figure. Over the past two World Cups, no defender has created more chances than the Moroccan full-back, while his 15 chances created at this tournament represent the highest total by an African defender in a single World Cup edition since 1966.

Coach Mohamed Ouahbi also has another fitness concern in Chadi Riad, who missed the victory over Canada after suffering a knee injury during Morocco’s last-32 triumph against the Netherlands.

Last 5 Morocco matches stats

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup

Canada 0 – 3 Morocco

Netherlands 1 – 1 Morocco

Morocco 4 – 2 Haiti

Scotland 0 – 1 Morocco

Brazil 1 – 1 Morocco

2026/07/04

2026/06/30

2026/06/25

2026/06/20

2026/06/14

Previous meetings and key concerns ahead of clash

France may need to adjust their lineup due to several injury concerns. Manu Koné could continue in midfield if Aurélien Tchouaméni fails to recover from the groin issue that kept him out against Paraguay, while William Saliba also battled through that match despite a back problem.

Deschamps will hope Saliba is available as France look to reach a semi-final meeting with either Spain or Belgium.

The previous World Cup encounter between these nations came in the 2022 semi-finals, which was their first competitive meeting. Goals from Théo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani ended Morocco’s memorable run and sent France into the final.

Across all competitions, France have never lost to Morocco in their six meetings, winning three times and drawing on two occasions in the other five encounters before the World Cup semi-final.

Despite that record, France will remain cautious. Three of their six World Cup defeats this century have come against African opponents, meaning they have suffered more losses against African teams during this period than against European or South American sides combined.

Past H2H Results

FIFA World Cup

International friendlies

France 2 – 0 Morocco

France 2 – 2 Morocco

2022/12/14

2007/11/16

Prediction and expected outcome

France enter this quarterfinal as the favourites due to their recent World Cup success, attacking depth, and remarkable consistency in major tournaments. Didier Deschamps’ team has shown the ability to handle difficult situations, and the individual brilliance of Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise, and their attacking partners gives them multiple ways to threaten opponents. Morocco, however, has already demonstrated that they can compete with the world’s best, combining defensive discipline, physical strength, and dangerous creativity through players such as Brahim Díaz and Achraf Hakimi. The Atlas Lions will look to slow the tempo, remain compact, and use quick transitions to challenge France’s defence. The match is expected to be closely contested, with Morocco capable of frustrating their opponents for long periods, but France’s experience in knockout matches could prove decisive. Les Bleus are likely to have more possession and attacking opportunities, while Morocco will rely on organisation and counter-attacking moments to stay alive.

Prediction: France 2-1 Morocco

Expected outcome: A narrow France victory that sends Les Bleus into another World Cup semi-final, while Morocco’s performance further highlights their ability to compete at the highest level. France have the stronger squad on paper and greater experience in these situations, but Morocco’s resilience and recent tournament form mean a surprise result cannot be ruled out.

France vs Morocco Official Lineups, Thursday, 9 July 2026, World Cup 2026 Quarterfinals

General Soccer News, Official Lineups

France vs Morocco Official Lineups, Thursday, 9 July 2026, World Cup 2026 Quarterfinals

Here are the official starting lineups for France vs Morocco in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Quarter-finals on Thursday, July 9, 2026. The kickoff is set for 4:00 PM Eastern Time (1:00 PM Pacific) at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

France is currently on an impressive streak, having won all five of their matches in regulation, driven by a strong performance from Kylian Mbappé. Meanwhile, Morocco boasts an astonishing 34-match unbeaten streak across all competitions.

 

09-07-2026 20:00
Quarterfinal
France
France
Morocco
Morocco
2 - 0

 

FIFA Ranking

France holds the top spot at No. 1 in the FIFA Men’s World Rankings, while Morocco is ranked No. 6.

 

How did they reach the World Cup Quarterfinals?

France made it to the quarterfinals by winning all five of their matches in regulation, netting 14 goals, seven of which came from Kylian Mbappé, and defeating Paraguay 1-0 in the round of 16. Morocco advanced by overcoming Canada 3-0 in the round of 16 after a penalty shootout victory against the Netherlands.

 

Head-to-head

In their historical encounters, France leads the head-to-head record with four wins compared to Morocco’s one. Overall, the two nations have faced each other in six official matches, with France winning 4 times, Morocco winning once, and one match ending in a draw. In their latest World Cup meeting during the 2022 Semi-final, France triumphed over Morocco with a score of 2-0.

 

 

✅    Serie A players called up for   🇫🇷    the France National team World Cup Squad:
  • AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan
  •  AS Roma midfielder Manu Kone
  • AC Milan midfielder Adrien Rabiot
  • Inter forward Marcus Thuram

 

✅    1 Serie A player called up for  🇲🇦   Morocco National team for the World Cup 2026:

  • AS Roma midfielder Neil El Aynaoui

 

 

👉   Click here for  Full 2026 World Cup Squad Lists – Confirmed rosters for all 48 teams.

👉  Click here for  2026 World Cup Group Stage Standings.

🇫🇷     France starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Mike Maignan; Jules Koundé, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Lucas Digne; Adrien Rabiot, Manu Koné; Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Désiré Doué; Kylian Mbappé.

Substitutes: N’Golo Kanté, Brice Samba, Lucas Hernández, Bradley Barcola, Maghnes Akliouche, Marcus Thuram, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Maxence Lacroix, Ibrahima Konaté, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Robin Risser, Rayan Cherki, Malo Gusto, Théo Hernández, Jean-Philippe Mateta.

🇲🇦    Morocco starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Yassine Bounou; Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui, Issa Diop, Anass Salah-Eddine; Ayyoub Bouaddi, Neil El Aynaoui; Brahim Díaz, Azzedine Ounahi, Chemsdine Talbi; Bilal El Khannouss.

Substitutes: Soufiane Rahimi, Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti, Marwane Saadane, Gessime Yassine, Amine Sbaï, Chadi Riad, Zakaria El Ouahdi, Ismael Saibari, Youssef Belammari, Ayoub El Kaabi, Munir El Kajoui, Samir El Mourabet, Redouane Halhal, Ayoube Amaimouni-Echghouyab, Sofyan Amrabat.

France
Morocco

Starting lineups

16
Mike Maignan
Goalkeeper
4
Dayot Upamecano
Defender
5
Jules Koundé
Defender
87'
3
Lucas Digne
Defender
17
William Saliba
Defender
14
Adrien Rabiot
Midfielder
20
Désiré Doué
Midfielder
77'
6
Manu Koné
Midfielder
71'
11
Michael Olise
Midfielder
10
Kylian Mbappé
Attacker
77'
7
Ousmane Dembélé
Attacker
1
Yassine Bounou
Goalkeeper
2
Achraf Hakimi
Defender
26
Anass Salah-Eddine
Defender
74'
14
Issa Diop
Defender
3
Noussair Mazraoui
Defender
6
Ayyoub Bouaddi
Midfielder
62'
8
Azzedine Ounahi
Midfielder
23
Bilal El Khannouss
Midfielder
62'
10
Brahim Díaz
Midfielder
74'
7
Chemsdine Talbi
Midfielder
85'
24
Neil El Aynaoui
Midfielder

Substitutes

19
Theo Hernández
Defender
9
Marcus Thuram
Attacker
15
Ibrahima Konaté
Defender
8
Aurélien Tchouaméni
Midfielder
24
Rayan Cherki
Attacker
21
Lucas Hernández
Defender
25
Maghnes Akliouche
Midfielder
26
Maxence Lacroix
Defender
7
N’Golo Kanté
Midfielder
1
Brice Samba
Goalkeeper
23
Robin Risser
Goalkeeper
18
Warren Zaïre-Emery
Midfielder
71'
12
Bradley Barcola
Attacker
77'
22
Jean-Philippe Mateta
Attacker
77'
2
Malo Gusto
Defender
87'
20
Ayoub El Kaabi
Attacker
11
Ismael Saibari
Midfielder
18
Chadi Riad
Defender
15
Samir El Mourabet
Midfielder
21
Ayoube Amaimouni-Echghouyab
Attacker
22
Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti
Goalkeeper
12
Munir El Kajoui
Goalkeeper
25
Redouane Halhal
Defender
19
Youssef Belammari
Midfielder
5
Marwane Saadane
Midfielder
4
Sofyan Amrabat
Midfielder
62'
9
Soufiane Rahimi
Attacker
62'
13
Zakaria El Ouahdi
Defender
74'
16
Gessime Yassine
Midfielder
74'
17
Amine Sbaï
Midfielder
85'

 

 

France   France World Cup 2026 Squad:
  • Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Robin Risser (Lens), Brice Samba (Rennes).
  • Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Hernandez (Paris St-Germain), Theo Hernandez (Al Hilal), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich).
  • Midfielders: N’Golo Kante (Fenerbache), Manu Kone (Roma), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris St-Germain).
  • Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Bradley Barcola (Paris St-Germain), Rayan Cherki (Man City), Ousmane Dembele (Paris St-Germain), Desire Doue (Paris St-Germain), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Jean-Phillipe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Marcus Thuram (Inter). 
Morocco   Morocco World Cup 2026 Squad:
  • Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou (Al Hilal), Munir El Kajoui (RS Berkane), Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti (AS FAR)
  • Defenders: Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United), Anass Salah-Eddine (PSV Eindhoven), Youssef Belammari (Al Ahly), Nayef Aguerd (Olympique de Marseille), Chadi Riad (Crystal Palace), Issa Diop (Fulham), Redouane Halhal (Mechelen), Achraf Hakimi (PSG), Zakaria El Ouahdi (Genk)
  • Midfielders: Samir El Mourabet (Strasbourg), Ayyoub Bouaddi (Lille), Neil El Aynaoui (AS Roma), Sofyan Amrabat (Real Betis), Azzedine Ounahi (Girone), Bilal El Khannouss (Stuttgart), Ismael Saibari (PSV Eindhoven)
  • Forwards: Abdessamad Ezzalzouli (Real Betis), Chemsdine Talbi (Sunderland), Soufiane Rahimi (Al Ain), Ayoub El Kaabi (Olympiacos), Brahim Díaz (Real Madrid), Yassine Gessime (Strasbourg), Ayoube Amaimouni (Eintracht Frankfurt)

 

Image

 

France’s official starting lineup against Morocco

Image

 

Morocco’s official starting lineup against France

Image

Image

Credit via x.com/frenchteam

 

Image

Photo via x.com/EnMaroc

 

 

 

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Sports Events 365 2026 FIFA World Cup Quarterfinals

🇫🇷 France – Morocco    🇲🇦
Date: Thursday, 9 July 2026
Time: 4:00 PM Eastern Time (1:00 PM Pacific Time)
Venue: Gillette Stadium (Boston Stadium)
Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Referee: Facundo Tello ARG
Assistant Referee 1: Juan Pablo Belatti ARG
Assistant Referee 2: Gabriel Chade ARG
Fourth Official: Dario Herrera ARG
Reserve AR: Cristian Navarro ARG
Video Assistant Referee: Hernan Mastrangelo ARG
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1 : Lerodan Gonzalez URU
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 : Tatiana Guzman NCA
Standby Video Assistant Referee: : Abdullah Alshehri KSA

20 players from Serie A and 1 from Serie B in the 2026 World Cup Quarter-finals

2026 FIFA World Cup, AC Milan, AS Roma, Atalanta, Bologna, Como, Cremonese, General Soccer News, Genoa, Inter Milan, Pisa SC, Sassuolo, SSC Napoli, Torino FC

20 players from Serie A and 1 from Serie B in the 2026 World Cup Quarter-finals

We are thrilled to witness 20 Serie A players and 1 Serie B player representing their national teams in the 2026 World Cup Quarter-finals. We will definitely be following their performances and wish them all the best. The excitement is palpable!

Belgium and Norway each have 5 Serie A players.

France and Switzerland are also well represented by Serie A  players and Serie B, with four players in each of their squads.

Argentina has two Serie A stars in its ranks with Lautaro Martinez and Nico Paz, while Morocco’s sole ‘Italian’ representative is Roma’s Neil El-Aynaoui.

Spain and England don’t have any Serie A called up players in their squad.

🇫🇷  France vs Morocco  🇲🇦
🇳🇴 Norway vs England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿
🇪🇸 Spain vs Belgium 🇧🇪
🇦🇷 Argentina vs Switzerland 🇨🇭

Note: Be sure to check your local dates and times for the matches.

 

A breakdown of players from Serie A and Serie B in the World Cup Quarterfinals

 

 

🇧🇪   Belgium: Kevin De Bruyne (Napoli), Romelu Lukaku (Napoli), Koni De Winter (Milan), Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta), Alexis Saelemaekers (Milan).

🇳🇴   Norway: Morten Thorsby (Cremonese), Leo Ostigard (Genoa), Marcus Holmgren Pedersen (Torino), Torbjorn Heggem (Bologna), Kristian Thorstvedt (Sassuolo).

🇨🇭  Switzerland: Manuel Akanji (Inter), Remo Freuler (Bologna), Ardon Jashari (Milan), Michel Aebischer (Pisa)(Serie B).

🇫🇷   France: Manu Kone (Roma), Marcus Thuram (Inter), Adrien Rabiot (Milan), Mike Maignan (Milan).

🇦🇷    Argentina: Nico Paz (Como), Lautaro Martinez (Inter).

 🇲🇦   Morocco: Neil El-Aynaoui (Roma).

🇪🇸   Spain:  None

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿   England:  None

Breakdown by Serie A clubs in the 2026 World Cup Quarterfinals:

AC Milan: Adrien Rabiot (FRA), Mike Maignan (FRA), Koni De Winter (BEL), Alexis Saelemaekers (BEL), Ardon Jashari (SUI)
Inter Milan: Marcus Thuram (FRA), Lautaro Martinez (ARG), Manuel Akanji (SUI)
AS Roma: Manu Kone (FRA), Neil El-Aynaoui (MAR)
Napoli: Kevin De Bruyne (BEL), Romelu Lukaku (BEL)
Bologna: Torbjorn Heggem (NOR), Remo Freuler (SUI)
Atalanta: Charles De Ketelaere (BEL)
Como: Nico Paz (ARG)
Torino: Marcus H. Pedersen (NOR)
Genoa: Leo  Ostigard  (NOR)
Sassuolo: Kristian Thorstvedt (NOR)
Cremonese: Morten Thorsby  (NOR)

Serie B

Pisa SC: Michel Aebischer

 

 

France   France World Cup 2026 Squad:
  • Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Robin Risser (Lens), Brice Samba (Rennes).
  • Defenders: Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Lucas Hernandez (Paris St-Germain), Theo Hernandez (Al Hilal), Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich).
  • Midfielders: N’Golo Kante (Fenerbache), Manu Kone (Roma), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris St-Germain).
  • Forwards: Maghnes Akliouche (Monaco), Bradley Barcola (Paris St-Germain), Rayan Cherki (Man City), Ousmane Dembele (Paris St-Germain), Desire Doue (Paris St-Germain), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Jean-Phillipe Mateta (Crystal Palace), Marcus Thuram (Inter).
Morocco   Morocco World Cup 2026 Squad:
  • Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou (Al Hilal), Munir El Kajoui (RS Berkane), Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti (AS FAR).
  • Defenders: Noussair Mazraoui (Manchester United), Anass Salah-Eddine (PSV Eindhoven), Youssef Belammari (Al Ahly), Nayef Aguerd (Olympique de Marseille), Chadi Riad (Crystal Palace), Issa Diop (Fulham), Redouane Halhal (Mechelen), Achraf Hakimi (PSG), Zakaria El Ouahdi (Genk).
  • Midfielders: Samir El Mourabet (Strasbourg), Ayyoub Bouaddi (Lille), Neil El Aynaoui (AS Roma), Sofyan Amrabat (Real Betis), Azzedine Ounahi (Girone), Bilal El Khannouss (Stuttgart), Ismael Saibari (PSV Eindhoven).
  • Forwards: Abdessamad Ezzalzouli (Real Betis), Chemsdine Talbi (Sunderland), Soufiane Rahimi (Al Ain), Ayoub El Kaabi (Olympiacos), Brahim Díaz (Real Madrid), Yassine Gessime (Strasbourg), Ayoube Amaimouni (Eintracht Frankfurt).
Norway   Norway World Cup 2026 Squad: 
  • Goalkeepers: Orjan Haskjold Nyland (Sevilla), Egil Selvik (Watford), Sander Tangvik (Hamburger SV).
  • Defenders: Julian Ryerson (Borussia Dortmund), Marcus Holmgren Pedersen (Torino), David Moller Wolfe (Wolverhampton), Fredrik Bjorkan (Bodo/Glimt), Kristoffer Ajer (Brentford), Torbjorn Heggem (Bologna), Leo Skiri Ostigard (Genoa), Sondre Langas (Derby County), Henrik Falchener (Viking).
  • Midfielders: Martin Odegaard (Arsenal), Sander Berge (Fulham), Fredrik Aursnes (Benfica), Patrick Berg (Bodo/Glimt), Kristian Thorstvedt (Sassuolo), Morten Thorsby (Cremonese), Thelo Aasgaard (Rangers).
  • Forwards: Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Alexander Sorloth (Atletico Madrid), Jorgen Strand Larsen (Crystal Palace), Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig), Oscar Bobb (Fulham), Andreas Schjelderup (Benfica), Jens Petter Hauge (Bodo/Glimt).
England   England World Cup 2026 Squad:
  • Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City).
  • Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), John Stones (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur).
  • Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal).
  • Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle).
Spain   Spain World Cup 2026 Squad:
  • Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), David Raya (Arsenal), Joan Garcia (Barcelona).
  • Defenders: Marc Cucurella (Chelsea), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao), Marc Pubill (Atletico Madrid), Eric Garcia (Barcelona), Marcos Llorente (Atletico Madrid), Pedro Porro (Tottenham Hotspur).
  • Midfielders: Pedri (Barcelona), Fabian Ruiz (PSG), Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal), Gavi (Barcelona), Rodri (Manchester City), Alex Baena (Atletico Madrid), Mikel Merino (Spain).
  • Forwards: Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Dani Olmo (Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Yeremy Pino (Crystal Palace), Ferran Torres (Barcelona), Borja Iglesias (Celta de Vigo), Víctor Muñoz (Osasuna), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona).
Belgium   Belgium World Cup 2026 Squad: 
  • Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Senne Lammens (Manchester United), Mike Penders (Racing Strasbourg).
  • Defenders: Timothy Castagne (Fulham), Zeno Debast (Sporting), Maxim de Cuyper (Brighton), Koni de Winter (AC Milan), Brandon Mechele (Club Brugge), Thomas Meunier (Lille), Nathan Ngoy (Lille), Joaquin Seys (Club Brugge), Arthur Theate (Eintracht Frankfurt).
  • Midfielders: Kevin de Bruyne (Napoli), Amadou Onana (Aston Villa), Nicolas Raskin (Rangers), Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa), Hans Vanaken (Club Brugge), Axel Witsel (Girona).
  • Forwards: Charles de Ketelaere (Atalanta), Jeremy Doku (Manchester City), Matias Fernandez-Pardo (Lille), Romelu Lukaku (Napoli), Dodi Lukebakio (Benfica), Diego Moreira (Strasbourg), Alexis Saelemaekers (AC Milan), Leandro Trossard (Arsenal).
Argentina   Argentina World Cup 2026 Squad:
  • Goalkeepers: Juan Musso (Atletico Madrid), Geronimo Rulli (Marseille), Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa).
  • Defenders: Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon), Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Facundo Medina (Marseille), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid).
  • Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors), Rodrigo de Paul (Inter Miami), Valentin Barco (Strasbourg), Giovani lo Celso (Real Betis), Ezequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea).
  • Forwards: Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Nicolas Gonzalez (Atletico Madrid), Thiago Almada (Atletico Madrid), Giuliano Simeone (Atletico Madrid), Nico Paz (Como), Jose Manuel Lopez (Palmeiras), Lautaro Martinez (Inter).
Switzerland   Switzerland World Cup 2026 Squad:
  • Goalkeepers: Marvin Keller (Young Boys), Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund), Yvon Mvogo (Lorient).
  • Defenders: Manuel Akanji (Inter), Aurele Amenda (Eintracht Frankfurt), Eray Comert (Valencia), Nico Elvedi (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Luca Jaquez (VfB Stuttgart), Miro Muheim (Hamburg), Ricardo Rodriguez (Real Betis), Silvan Widmer (Mainz).
  • Midfielders: Michel Aebischer (Pisa), Christian Fassnacht (Young Boys), Remo Freuler (Bologna), Ardon Jashari (AC Milan), Johan Manzambi (Freiburg), Fabian Rieder (Augsburg), Djibril Sow, Ruben Vargas (both Sevilla), Granit Xhaka (Sunderland), Denis Zakaria (Monaco).
  • Forwards: Zeki Amdouni (Burnley), Breel Embolo (Stade Rennais), Cedric Itten (Fortuna Dusseldorf), Dan Ndoye (Nottingham Forest), Noah Okafor (Leeds United).

 

A European wave at the World Cup: six teams keep dream alive

History and facts 2026

European teams have historically struggled at World Cups staged outside their own continent. Since the first tournament in 1930, only twice have European nations lifted the trophy away from home soil, with Spain winning in South Africa in 2010 and Germany triumphing in Brazil four years later.

However, the 2026 tournament could see another European side join that exclusive group. Six of the eight teams remaining in the competition come from Europe, with Belgium, England, France, Norway, Spain, and Switzerland joined by Argentina and Morocco in the quarterfinals.

It is the strongest European presence in the last eight of a World Cup held outside Europe since 1994. The continent’s teams have gradually grown stronger throughout the tournament, turning an uncertain opening into a dominant campaign.

The start, though, was far from perfect. Seven of the first 10 European teams to play their opening group matches failed to secure victories, raising questions about whether the conditions in North America could affect their performances.

Slow beginnings before European teams found their rhythm

The weather was one of the biggest talking points before the tournament, with several teams, including England, choosing warm locations to prepare for the opening games and adjust to the climate.

Despite the difficult starts, coaches were reluctant to blame the conditions. After Belgium drew with Egypt, manager Rudi Garcia admitted his team should have performed better regardless of the temperature. Switzerland boss Murat Yakin also focused on his side’s missed opportunities after their 1-1 draw with Qatar rather than pointing towards the heat.

As the group stage progressed, European teams began to show their quality. Against non-European opponents, they finished the opening phase with 17 victories, 12 draws, and seven defeats.

Their ability to overcome challenging circumstances also became clear during the knockout rounds. England faced a difficult test against Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, dealing with both the altitude and intense atmosphere, but produced a strong display to reach the quarter-finals.

Former England striker Wayne Rooney praised the team’s performance, saying the victory demonstrated they had the ability and belief needed to compete for the World Cup trophy.

Big names delivering while unexpected teams impress

Several European contenders have lived up to expectations. France entered the tournament among the favourites and has continued to justify that status, with Kylian Mbappe playing a major role in their campaign and remaining among the leading Golden Boot contenders with seven goals.

Belgium also showed their strength by handling the pressure of facing co-hosts, the USA, and securing a place in the quarter-finals. Their reward is a meeting with European champions Spain, with a semi-final place at stake.

France’s attacking options have been highlighted as one of their biggest strengths. Analysts pointed out that players such as Rayan Cherki, Ousmane Dembele, and Desire Doue provide additional quality from the bench, especially during demanding matches played in hot conditions.

Spain and England have also been viewed as serious contenders, with former France defender Gael Clichy naming those two nations alongside France as teams capable of making a deep run.

Norway and Switzerland create their own stories

While teams like France, Spain, and England were expected to challenge for the title, Norway and Switzerland have emerged as two of Europe’s most impressive performers.

Norway are enjoying their first World Cup appearance since 1998 and have benefited from Erling Haaland’s outstanding form. The Manchester City forward has scored seven goals at the tournament and has the opportunity to add more when Norway face England.

Switzerland has also exceeded expectations, maintaining their composure during a tense penalty shootout victory over Colombia in the last 16. Their success has taken them into the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1954.

Manager Murat Yakin described the achievement as a historic moment for Swiss football but insisted the team’s journey was not over.

Europe chasing rare success away from home

European representation was always expected to be strong because the continent received the largest number of World Cup places, with 16 available spots. Yet their performance remains notable given the expanded 48-team format and the additional knockout round they had to navigate.

Their progress has also come while major teams from outside Europe have fallen short. Five-time champions Brazil were eliminated, while co-hosts Canada, Mexico, and the USA all exited in the last 16.

With six European teams still alive, the continent has a chance to end a long wait for another World Cup winner outside Europe. The remaining challenge is turning dominance into the rare achievement of lifting the trophy on foreign soil.