France, Spain, Argentina, England are the favourites to reach the semi-finals, with Norway emerging as a threat.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals bring together the eight best national teams competing for four tickets to the semi-final round. Notably, analysis from various international media outlets has started to converge around a shared outlook.

France, Spain, Argentina, and England are the four most heavily favoured teams to progress to the semi-finals. Meanwhile Morocco, Belgium, Switzerland, and Norway are positioned as challengers with the potential to upend all existing predictions.

This outlook became the main topic discussed on the ITSMe Podcast, recorded at Sentul Studio in Bogor. The podcast featured football analysts Ronny Pangemanan and Sapto Haryo Rajasa, hosted by Gilang Respaty and Yatna, who broke down multiple perspectives and compelling dynamics of this World Cup quarter-final stage on the road to the semi-finals.

France has received the most backing across all analysts. Les Bleus are assessed to have the most complete squad composition out of the eight remaining contesting teams.

Their squad depth, balanced structure between defensive and attacking lines, plus proven experience performing in high-stakes matches makes France regarded as one of the strongest candidates not only to reach the semi-finals, but also advance all the way to the final match.

Morocco still earns proper praise for its disciplined defensive organisation and effective counter-attacking play, however France's overall squad quality is still considered to hold a clear advantage.

Spain also continues to gather wide acclaim. Multiple media outlets rate La Roja as one of the most consistently performing teams throughout the entire tournament. Dominant ball possession, well-structured game organisation, and a solid backline will be their main assets when facing Belgium.

On the other side, Belgium retains big match experience and individual quality that can turn the tide of a match in a single moment, meaning the possibility for an upset remains fully open.

Out of all four quarter-final fixtures, the clash between Norway and England is described as the most evenly matched contest. England hold a slight edge due to their major tournament track record and more balanced overall squad depth.

However Norway's victory over Brazil in the Round of 16 has shifted the perspective of many analysts. Backed by the clinical finishing of Erling Haaland, Norway is no longer seen as just an underdog, but now a genuine serious threat to all tournament favourites.

Meanwhile Argentina remain widely trusted ahead of their tie against Switzerland. Their status as defending champions, proven knockout stage experience, and the leadership of Lionel Messi see the Albiceleste widely predicted to qualify for the semi-final round.

While Switzerland is renowned as a disciplined, hard-to-break-down side, Argentina's individual quality is still expected to be the deciding factor. Based on prevailing analysis across international media, the most commonly predicted semi-final matchups will see France face Spain, and Argentina meet England.

Yet the World Cup always leaves room for upsets. Morocco already proved this was possible in the 2022 edition, while Norway already demonstrated their capabilities by eliminating Brazil. For this reason, this quarter-final stage is expected to be the true test for the tournament favourites, as well as the stage where a new historic upset could be born.