World Cup quarterfinals bracket predictions: Best games, players and who makes the semifinals

Key Points:

• The World Cup quarterfinals feature eight teams, with defending champions Argentina and standout player Erling Haaland leading Norway among the contenders; Haaland will face England's Harry Kane, while France, led by Kylian Mbappe, plays Morocco.
• Writers highlighted England's resilience at Mexico City's Azteca stadium, Belgium's tactical dominance over the USMNT, and Norway's surprising elimination of Brazil as the most impressive team performances in the round of 16.
• Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham received widespread praise as the most impressive individual performers, with Haaland's goals against Brazil and Bellingham's leadership and scoring at the Azteca noted as tournament highlights.
• Lesser-discussed players such as Norway's goalkeeper Orjan Nyland, England's Anthony Gordon, and Belgium's Leandro Trossard were identified as key contributors deserving more recognition.
• Most experts favor France, Spain, England, and Argentina to advance from the quarterfinals, with France widely regarded as the favorite to win the tournament, though Morocco and Norway are seen as potential dark horses.