#世界杯冠军预测 Top 8 revealed! Who will be the top 4?

On July 8, the matchups for the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico were set. In the early hours of that day, Argentina endured an even tougher moment than in the round of 16, coming from two goals down to score three consecutive goals and overturn a 3–2 comeback victory over Egypt to advance to the quarterfinals; Switzerland battled Colombia to a 120-minute stalemate and then eliminated their opponents 4–3 in a penalty shootout to claim the last quarterfinal spot.

Europe dominates the top eight with six spots: France, Spain, Belgium, Norway, England, and Switzerland. Only Argentina advances from South America; African "dark horse" Morocco has reached the quarterfinals for the second consecutive World Cup.

Quarterfinal matchups: France vs. Morocco, Spain vs. Belgium, Norway vs. England, Argentina vs. Switzerland. Who will be the top four?
France vs. Morocco: The biggest highlight is whether France can hunt down the "dark horse." France has played five matches in this World Cup and has faced few strong challenges so far. Morocco is undoubtedly a litmus test on their path to advancement. Morocco defeated Belgium, Spain, and Portugal in the last World Cup to reach the semifinals, and this time they eliminated the Netherlands, seemingly maintaining their "dark horse" identity. In the last World Cup, they lost 0–2 to France in the semifinals; this quarterfinal gives them a chance for revenge. Can they do it?
Spain vs. Belgium: A clash between a new European powerhouse and Belgium's golden generation. Spain is the champion of Euro 2024, and the young matadors, led by Lamine Yamal, have kept clean sheets in all five matches of this World Cup. Their weakness is a low goal conversion rate. Belgium has been tested by Senegal and the United States in the knockout rounds, and the golden generation seems to be returning to their peak. This match is full of suspense, with victory hanging in the balance.
Norway vs. England: Another European civil war. Norway defeated five-time champion Brazil 2–1 in the round of 16, with Haaland showcasing his strong finishing ability. This unprecedented united Viking fleet has the potential to continue writing legends. England has faced challenges from Congo (DRC) and Mexico in the knockout rounds, and the Three Lions' composure under pressure has improved. This might be a goal-fest, where England, with more varied attacking options, holds a slight edge.
Argentina vs. Switzerland: The defending champion will defend South American pride. Argentina, as the only South American representative, has faced two major tests in the knockout rounds against Cape Verde and Egypt. Messi has scored 8 goals, continuing to lead the scoring charts, and is highly likely to lead Argentina to the semifinals. Switzerland has the potential to cause an upset; aside from Colombia, they haven't faced a truly strong team in this World Cup, so eliminating the defending champion is entirely possible.
Every World Cup has at least one "dark horse" team reaching the semifinals. Will it be Morocco, Norway, or Switzerland? Or will this tradition not hold in this edition?
Messi with 8 goals, Mbappé and Haaland with 7 goals each, and Kane with 6 goals are all top contenders for the Golden Boot. Who will continue to advance?

The quarterfinals of this World Cup kick off in the early hours of July 10, and as the matches progress, the answers will be revealed one by one.