The 2026 World Cup quarter-finals delivered four fiery, high-stakes contests that decided the four semi-finalists, featuring outstanding individual performances from a host of the tournament’s biggest stars — displays that will be remembered long after some of their heroes bowed out of the competition.
France opened the round with a 2-0 win over Morocco, in a match where Kylian Mbappé missed a first-half penalty brilliantly saved by Yassine Bounou, before making amends by opening the scoring himself with a stunning strike from outside the box, then setting up Ousmane Dembélé’s second goal. That result ended Morocco’s remarkable run in the tournament, despite fierce resistance led by a superb performance from Bounou between the posts.
In another match just as dramatic, Spain edged past Belgium 2-1, with the two sides level after the first half before Mikel Merino snatched the winner in the 88th minute off a rebound from a powerful Pau Cubarsí strike. England, meanwhile, needed extra time to see off Norway 2-1, falling behind to an Andreas Schjelderup goal before Jude Bellingham rescued the Three Lions with a decisive brace.
In the fourth match, Argentina survived a scare against Switzerland, coming through 3-1 after extra time. Lionel Messi set up the early opener before Switzerland equalized, and Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martínez settled the match in extra time, sending La Albiceleste through to face England in the semi-finals, while Spain will meet France in the other last-four clash.
Below, we run through the Best XI of the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals, based on Fanzword users’ ratings.
Goalkeeper | Yassine Bounou – Morocco
Bounou saved a penalty taken by Mbappé himself in the 28th minute, and continued to shine with a string of difficult saves that kept his side from being blown away. Despite the 0-2 defeat, the Moroccan keeper remained his country’s most influential player in their farewell match against France.
Left-back | Marc Cucurella – Spain
Cucurella delivered a solid defensive display down the left flank against Belgium’s repeated attacks, helping to keep his side’s defensive shape intact. A quiet but essential performance in La Roja’s passage to the semi-finals.
Centre-back | William Saliba – France
Saliba shut down every route through for Morocco’s attack, giving Achraf Hakimi and company no real openings all match. A striking continuation of form for one of the tournament’s best centre-backs so far.
Centre-back | Pau Cubarsí – Spain
Cubarsí was the man behind the powerful shot in the 88th minute that rebounded off the substitute goalkeeper for Mikel Merino to slot home the winner. Alongside that decisive attacking contribution, he was also rock-solid defensively against Belgium’s attacks.
Right-back | Nico O’Reilly – England
The young Englishman played with a maturity beyond his years against Norway, offering constant defensive and attacking support that helped the Three Lions get through after extra time. Another showing confirming he’s one of the tournament’s standout discoveries.
Midfield | Jude Bellingham – England
The unquestionable hero of England’s progress, equalizing in first-half stoppage time after Norway had taken the lead, then adding the winner three minutes into the first period of extra time. A complete, leading performance from England’s star man.
Midfield | Sander Berge – Norway
Berge put in a battling display at the heart of Norway’s midfield, completing over 100 passes, and served as the defensive shield that kept his country’s hopes alive against England all the way into extra time, despite the heartbreaking exit.
Midfield | Dani Olmo – Spain
Olmo was the architect of Spain’s opener, his shot parried by Courtois before Fabián Ruiz finished off the rebound. A constant presence in behind Belgium’s defense throughout the match.
Midfield | Lamine Yamal – Spain
The young Spanish talent continued to dazzle the world, posing a constant threat down the right flank throughout the match against Belgium — another performance that brings him closer to the World Cup’s historic records.
Forward | Kylian Mbappé – France
He missed a penalty in the first half, but more than made up for it by opening the scoring with a superb strike from outside the box, then setting up Dembélé’s second goal soon after. The undisputed man of the match against Morocco.
Forward | Lionel Messi – Argentina
Messi set up Alexis Mac Allister’s early opener with a precise corner delivery, breaking his personal scoring streak at this World Cup in the process. Even so, “La Pulga” remained an inspirational leader as Argentina battled through extra time to beat Switzerland.
