The quarter-finals of the expanded World Cup are set, featuring six European sides, one African, and one South American team. BBC Sport's Joe Bradshaw previews the four compelling matches, noting that all but one kick off at a sociable hour. The guide highlights key storylines, including France's clash with Morocco, a rematch of the 2022 semi-final. While Morocco are no longer plucky underdogs and boast a 34-match unbeaten run, France have been refreshed by new talents like William Saliba and Michael Olise, though Kylian Mbappe remains their star. Key stats show half of France's World Cup defeats this century have come against African teams, while Morocco have never beaten France. The second quarter-final previews Spain versus Belgium, framing it as a battle between Belgium's potent attack, which has scored 13 goals, and Spain's impenetrable defense, which has not conceded a single goal at the tournament. Spain's six consecutive clean sheets is a World Cup record, and they have the lowest expected goals against since records began in 1966. Belgium's Romelu Lukaku has been effective off the bench, but Spain are unbeaten against Belgium in 11 appearances. Spain have also progressed from all six of their knockout games under Luis de la Fuente, and this is their first quarter-final since winning the 2010 World Cup.
Actualites avec Curation IA