By BABATUNDE OGUNRINDE

The 2026 FIFA World Cup reaches its decisive quarter-final stage starting Thursday, with eight nations chasing semi-final places and football’s biggest stars taking centre stage.

The quarter-finals feature Argentina, France, Morocco, Spain, Belgium, Norway, England and Switzerland, with every fixture expected to shape the tournament’s destiny.

Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane headline a star-studded cast pursuing both World Cup glory and the Golden Boot.

Action begins on Thursday when France face Morocco in a quarter-final between one of the favourites and Africa’s last remaining representatives.

Morocco eliminated the Netherlands and Canada to reach the last eight and remain unbeaten as they pursue an historic first African World Cup triumph.

France, however, arrive inspired by Mbappé, whose seven goals and two assists have powered Les Bleus into the quarter-finals.

Friday’s contest pits unbeaten Spain against Belgium in a meeting between two of the tournament’s most consistent performers.

Spain remain the only team yet to concede, while Belgium advanced after convincing knockout victories over Senegal and the United States.

Saturday’s quarter-final sees Norway face England after the Scandinavians stunned Brazil to reach the last eight.

Haaland has scored seven goals during Norway’s impressive run, while Kane has contributed six goals and one assist for England.

The final quarter-final begins early Sunday, with defending champions Argentina meeting surprise package Switzerland.

Argentina survived thrilling encounters against Cape Verde and Egypt, while Switzerland shocked Colombia through a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Golden Boot race also remains fiercely contested as the knockout stage intensifies.

Messi leads the scoring chart with eight goals, while Mbappé and Haaland have seven each, leaving Kane close behind on six.

NAN also reports that every remaining contender still has the opportunity to shape both the title race and the individual honours.

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