KANSAS CITY, July 8, (v7n) – The World Cup is down to just eight teams, with a star-studded line-up set to battle for semi-final berths in the quarter-finals beginning Thursday. AFP Sport breaks down the match-ups, all of which are taking place in the United States.

Imperious France have lived up to their billing as favourites, sweeping through the group stage, swatting aside Sweden, and edging past Paraguay in the last 16. With Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola, and the creative Michael Olisé, Didier Deschamps' side are formidable in attack.

But unbeaten Morocco will not be fazed after eliminating the Netherlands on penalties and crushing co-hosts Canada 3-0 in the last 16. The Atlas Lions will have revenge on their minds after losing to France in the 2022 semi-finals and are eager to match their historic run to the last four.

Spain became the first team in tournament history to record six consecutive World Cup clean sheets with their 1-0 win over Portugal on Monday. Luis de la Fuente's European champions are efficient and comfortable in possession, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring four times so far.

Belgium arrive in Los Angeles on the back of a 4-1 thrashing of co-hosts USA, having earlier come from two goals down to beat Senegal 3-2 in extra-time. For Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and the remnants of the "Golden Generation," this World Cup is likely a final bow—and they are desperate to go out on a high.

England's defenders are well accustomed to facing Erling Haaland in the Premier League—but stopping him is another matter entirely. Thomas Tuchel's side, among the pre-tournament favourites, have been driven by captain Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, who have scored 10 of England's 11 goals, including all three in a gripping 3-2 win over Mexico.

That backs-to-the-wall victory, achieved with 10 men, has infused England with confidence. But in Miami they face a Norway team led by the irrepressible Haaland, who has scored seven goals in the tournament and netted in each of his last 14 competitive outings for Norway—27 goals in total—and will pose a major test for England's vulnerable defence.

Lionel Messi's Argentina have survived two major scares to reach the quarter-finals. The defending champions needed extra time to edge Cape Verde 3-2 and mounted an astonishing comeback from 2-0 down against Egypt in the last 16, with Messi at the heart of the fightback.

Lionel Scaloni's side cannot keep testing fate, but they have proven they can never be counted out. Now they face Switzerland in Kansas City, who advanced after a penalty shootout win over Colombia following a goalless draw. The Swiss, into the last eight for the first time since hosting in 1954, are organised and resilient, promising a tough test for the Albiceleste.

end/wsp/rh