🗞️ World Cup heats up in the quarter-finals, Thursday's front pages | OneFootball

The 2026 World Cup enters its most electrifying stage. The front pages of the world sports press are overflowing with optimism and anticipation ahead of quarterfinals that promise maximum tension, with the Spanish national team stealing all the spotlight in its imminent and thrilling clash against Belgium.

Spain: Unshakable confidence and a hunger for glory

The Spanish press reflects an atmosphere of total unity and ambition ahead of the showdown with the Belgians. In Marca, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois builds up the pre-match by admitting the great quality of his rival: "Spain is always a favorite to win everything."

Meanwhile, youth takes center stage in Mundo Deportivo, where Lamine Yamal warns with tremendous maturity and optimism that his "great game is going to come."

For their part, belief in the dressing room is absolute; Sport highlights a forceful "We're going for the World Cup" from Pedri on its front page, while As crowns its cover with a stellar Unai Simón under the slogan "We came to win the World Cup."

Analysts agree: after eliminating Portugal, Luis de la Fuente's side feels invincible.

France and Morocco: A high-tension rematch

Beyond Spain’s borders, the focus shifts to the vibrant clash between France and Morocco (10:00 p.m.). French newspaper L'Équipe runs the headline "Another story," recalling the semifinal in Qatar 2022 and predicting a very tough battle on the pitch.

From Argentina, Olé is also keeping a close eye on this match, highlighting comments from France coach Didier Deschamps, who tried to ease refereeing pressure by saying that "Tello is not the opponent."

The Americas pulse to the rhythm of the quarterfinals

World Cup fever is crossing the Atlantic. In the United States, The Washington Post analyzes the "State of the Union" following its national team’s performance, stressing that these quarterfinals offer genuine "powerhouses and familiarity" with a dominant Europe.

At the same time, in South America, Olé focuses on the Albiceleste camp with an emotional "With Messi until the end," making it clear that the desire to rally behind the star in his last great tournament is the driving force pushing the entire Argentina squad.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

📸 PAUL ELLIS - AFP or licensors