Romelu Lukaku (R) of Belgium celebrates scoring with his teammate Timothy Castagne during the round of 16 match between the United States and Belgium/ XINHUA
Spain vs Belgium
[SoFi Stadium, Friday, 10pm]
Former champions and tournament favourites Spain face Belgium in a blockbuster Fifa World Cup quarter-final as two European heavyweights battle for a place in the last four.
History tilts firmly in Spain's favour, as the two nations have met 23 times in competitive internationals, with La Roja winning 12, Belgium claiming five victories and six encounters ending all square.
Luis de la Fuente's men have looked every bit the title favourites. They edged Portugal 1-0 in the Round of 16 thanks to a late Mikel Merino strike, extending an extraordinary run of five consecutive clean sheets. Remarkably, Spain are yet to concede a goal in this tournament.
Belgium, meanwhile, stormed into the quarter-finals with a ruthless 4-1 demolition of co-hosts USA. Rudi Garcia's side has however faced defensive lapses.
The contest could well be decided in midfield, where Rodri's composure and control come up against Kevin De Bruyne's creativity and vision. Equally intriguing will be Spain's relentless wing play against Belgium's pace in transition.
Prediction: Spain 2-0 Belgium
Norway vs England
[Hard Rock Stadium, Sunday, 12am]
A mouthwatering strikers duel awaits as two of the world top forwards, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane, go head-to-head with a World Cup semi-final berth on the line.
Haaland has lit up his first World Cup with seven goals, underlining why he is one of the world's most feared finishers.
Kane has also enjoyed an impressive campaign, scoring six times as England continue their pursuit of a second World Cup crown.
This will be the first-ever meeting between Norway and England at a major international tournament.
Norway have been the surprise package of the tournament, reaching the quarter-finals in their first World Cup appearance for 28 years after a stunning 2-1 victory over Brazil in the Round of 16.
England, meanwhile, survived a chaotic 3-2 victory over co-hosts Mexico despite playing much of the match with 10 men after Jarell Quansah's dismissal.
The midfield battle promises to be just as decisive as the clash between the two star strikers.
Martin Odegaard will orchestrate Norway's attacks, while Jude Bellingham continues to influence games with his powerful runs and intelligent movement between the lines, having already scored four goals in the tournament.
Norway possess the ultimate match-winner in Haaland, but England's superior depth, tournament know-how and defensive organisation should prove decisive over 90 minutes.
Expect an open contest with goals at both ends with England expected to dictate tempo, but it could also end up with an upset for the three lions
Prediction: England 3-2 Norway
Argentina vs Switzerland
[Arrowhead Stadium, Monday, 4am]
Defending champions Argentina head into the quarter-finals looking to reassert their authority after surviving one of the greatest scares of the tournament.
Lionel Scaloni's men produced a remarkable comeback to defeat Egypt 3-2 in the Round of 16, becoming the first team in World Cup history to recover from a two-goal deficit with just 15 minutes remaining and still win in regulation time.
Switzerland arrive brimming with confidence after reaching their first World Cup quarter-final since 1954, overcoming Colombia 4-3 on penalties following a gruelling goalless draw.
The Swiss will rely on the experience of Granit Xhaka and Remo Freuler to clog the central areas and frustrate Argentina's rhythm.
Standing in their way is a world-class midfield spearheaded by Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez, whose ability to dictate possession and unlock compact defences has been central to Argentina's campaign.
As always, Lionel Messi remains the heartbeat of Argentina, the captain has dazzled throughout the tournament with eight goals.
Switzerland's defensive discipline and the brilliance of goalkeeper Gregor Kobel should keep them competitive, but the absence of attacking spark following the loss of Johan Manzambi due to injury leaves them short of the firepower needed to consistently trouble Argentina.
Prediction: Argentina 2-0 Switzerland
