France v Morocco – Thursday 10pm
France have looked every bit the tournament favourites, cruising through their group before beating Sweden and edging past Paraguay in the last 16.
Didier Deschamps has an attack few sides can contain, with Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola and Michael Olise all firing.
Morocco, unbeaten so far, will not be intimidated, having knocked out the Netherlands on penalties before thrashing co-hosts Canada 3-0.
There is history here too, Morocco lost to France in the 2022 semi-finals in Qatar, becoming the first African side to reach that stage, and will fancy themselves in Boston.
Spain v Belgium – Friday 9pm
Spain became the first team in World Cup history to keep six consecutive clean sheets after beating Portugal 1-0 in the last 16. Luis de la Fuente’s side are efficient rather than spectacular, with Mikel Oyarzabal their standout scorer on four goals.
Belgium arrive in Los Angeles in strong form, having thrashed the United States 4-1 after fighting back from two goals down to beat Senegal in extra time.
With veterans Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku likely playing their final World Cup, Belgium’s golden generation will want a fitting send-off.
Norway v England – Saturday 11pm
Erling Haaland is among the leaders in the Golden Boot race on seven goals and arrives in Miami in ominous form for Norway, who knocked out Brazil in the Round of 16.
England, among the tournament favourites, have leaned heavily on Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, who between them have scored 10 of the team’s 11 goals, including a dramatic 3-2 win over Mexico while down to 10 men.
Haaland and Kane’s recent scoring form makes this one of the standout ties of the round.
Argentina v Switzerland – Sunday 3am
Lionel Messi’s Argentina have survived two scares to reach the last eight, needing extra time to beat Cape Verde before recovering from 2-0 down to beat Egypt 3-2.
Switzerland, meanwhile, reached their first quarter-final since hosting the tournament in 1954, beating Colombia on penalties after a goalless draw.
Organised and difficult to break down, Switzerland will provide a stern test for an Argentina side that knows it cannot keep relying on late drama.
– AFP
Photo: REUTERS/Dylan Martinez
