Which country holds the best World Cup path?

· Yahoo Sports

A general view showing the score after the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Argentina and Egypt in Atlanta, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. | Mike Stewart, Associated Press

The world has been in a never-ending soccer cycle, going game to game for almost a month now. The streak, however, ended Wednesday as the tournament took a break following the round of 16, and before the quarterfinals starts Thursday.

So, what did soccer fans do while facing the first day in weeks without soccer? Well, maybe they just worked. Or walked the dog. Or did the dishes.

Visit solvita.blog for more information.

Some claimed they had no idea what they were going to do without the World Cup on TV.

Don’t worry soccer fans. The World Cup is back in action and here is a look into each team’s odds and path at the title.

Of the 48 teams that arrived on the North American continent for matches, 40 have been eliminated. Of the eight remaining teams, only one can take the trophy.

Argentina’s quest for repeat

Argentina's Lionel Messi (10) celebrates scoring their second goal during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Argentina and Egypt in Atlanta, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. | Associated Press

Four years ago, coming away from one of the greatest World Cup finals ever, it seemed Argentina’s legendary star Lionel Messi might have played his last due to age and the fact he finally achieved the single accomplishment that had long evaded him. But here we are in the quarterfinals, and Argentina looks like they could do it again.

After dominating its way through group play, the team struggled just a bit against Cape Verde before it nearly lost in what would have been a massive upset by Egypt. But saving the day was Cristian Romero, Messi and Enzo Fernandez scoring in the 79th, 83rd and 2nd minute of stoppage time to remain in the competition.

“We’re happy to have made it through and with the way we did it. Things got really difficult when it went to 2-0,” Messi said, per AS. “It was incredibly emotional to come back again. We suffered a lot once more, but this is the World Cup and every game is so evenly matched.”

Scoring the game-winning goal, Fernandez said it was a dream come true.

“I’ve been dreaming of a goal like that for three years, ever since Qatar. This time, it finally came in the last minute,” he said.

The last remaining South American team will now face Switzerland, which holds the lowest odds (30-1) to win the finals, according to ESPN.Argentina has the third highest adds at +400. A win will match Argentina with either England or Norway in the semifinals.

If Argentina runs the table, it would be the first time in 64 years the World Cup saw a repeat champion. The only other teams to repeat is Italy (1938) and Brazil (1962).

If Argentina wins, the sole Argentine with two World Cup titles, Daniel Passarella, will be joined by Messi and the plethora of veteran players who were part of the team’s success in Qatar, per The Sporting News.

Switzerland and Norway’s slippers still fit

Switzerland's Ruben Vargas, left, reacts with teammates after scoring the winning shot in a shootout during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match in Vancouver, British Columbia, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. | Gregory Bull, Associated Press

Defeating Colombia and Brazil, Switzerland and Norway are, the biggest surprises in the quarterfinals. It’s the Swiss’ first quarterfinals appearance in 72 years after defeating Colombia in a shootout following a scoreless game (4-3). For Norway, it is the team’s first-ever appearance in the quarterfinals after bouncing soccer powerhouse Brazil.

Ranked 31st in FIFA’s top 50 rankings, last of all eight teams remaining, Norway looks like a force. Erling Haaland’s debut World Cup has been nothing short of spectacular. The superstar is even experiencing Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift levels of popularity in the U.S.

It is the first time Norway has qualified for a World Cup since 1998, and Haaland is not satisfied. Scoring seven goals across four games in the tournament, he scored the game-winning goal against Ivory Coast in the 86th minute and scored two goals in the 79th and 90th minutes to put away Brazil and “write history.”

“Maybe this will write history in Norway,” Haaland said, per ESPN. “Everyone just need to enjoy themselves. This is just an insane day. It’s one of the most insane days in Norwegian history. Just enjoy it, embrace it and enjoy the moment.

“Everyone needs to enjoy and savor this great victory, Norway’s biggest victory in soccer.”

Norway’s next test lies in England on Saturday with a semifinal spot on the line.

Norway's Erling Haaland (9) celebrates with teammates after scoring their second goal during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Brazil and Norway in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 5, 2026. | Pamela Smith, Associated Press

It would also be a historic victory for Switzerland if it defeats Messi and Argentina since the chocolatier country has never appeared in the semifinals.

When discussing the match against Argentina in his press conference, Swiss coach Murat Yakin said it would be an “interesting” match.

“We’re playing against the world champion. There’s nothing better than having this opportunity. But it’s also been clear, over the last two matches, that Argentina is vulnerable.”

Clearly, Yakin believes in his team, adding, “I think we’ve earned that respect.”

At least one of the Cinderella teams will have to leave the dance before the finals match since both could potentially meet in the semifinals.

England and Spain’s quest for second title

Historically known as World Cup underachievers, England and Spain are looking for their second title in their collective histories. Both have appeared in the final exactly once, and outside of those championship runs, both have reached the semifinal a combined three times.

This year might be the year for one of these squads as they are both listed with the second (Spain, +370) and fourth (England, +470) best odds to go the distance.

England appears to hold the toughest path as it faces Haaland and Norway, who have wowed the world so far, then likely Argentina with all-time great Messi. However, Spain also holds a tough road. Assuming Spain tops Belgium, the Spaniards will likely face France, which holds the highest odds (+180) to win it all.

Morocco vs. France (again)

Following its 2022 World Cup semifinals loss at the hands of France, the Atlas Lions get another shot at France.

“We’re no longer a surprise today, and that’s a great source of pride,” Morocco’s coach Mohamed Ouahbi said after his team dismantled Canada.

“We want to go as far as possible and make our people proud.”

But surely a little revenge against the World Cup favorites in France would be an extra delight for the team and fans at home.

Doing so, however, is no easy task.

Kylian Mbappé is obviously a difficult assignment on his own, but Ousmane Dembele will add another set of problems for the final African country remaining. Together, the reigning World Cup Golden Boot and the 2025 Ballon d’Or winners have been a force for France as they look to redeem their squads from Qatar’s shortcoming in the final.

A World Cup rematch

Speaking of which, Mbappe is on the opposite side of the bracket as Messi and Argentina. It is very possible the two could see each other for a consecutive time in the final. The first featured a Messi Brace and Mbappe hat trick, before the match ultimately was decided by penalties, which Argentina won 4-2.

To say the least, the hype for such a match would be through the roof.

One X post by Wes Williams sarcastically said the match would “feed families.”

View this post on Instagram

Reaching the grand stage will be no walk in the park for France, which has to go through a hungry Morocco squad and then likely Spain, which holds the second best odds to be the last team standing.

Full World Cup odds, per ESPN:

France: +180

Spain: +370

Argentina: +400

England: +470

Norway: 15-1

Morocco: 28-1

Belgium: 30-1

Switzerland: 30-1

Read full story at source