World Cup Quarter-Finals: France-Morocco Rematch, Belgium-Spain,

The expanded World Cup has already delivered several memorable matches, and the quarter-final lineup promises more drama. Six European sides, one African nation, and one South American team will vie for a place in the semi-finals across four compelling fixtures starting Thursday. All ties offer significant intrigue, with most kick-off times convenient for European audiences. Here is a preview of the last eight.

France vs Morocco: 2022 Semi-Final Rematch

Date and Venue: Thursday, Atlanta Stadium, 21:00 BST

Morocco's run to the semi-finals in Qatar was a surprise, but this time they are more than plucky underdogs. The Africa Cup of Nations champions (pending an appeal by Senegal after a controversial final in January) fielded just four players from the side that lost to France in the 2022 semi-final when they faced Canada last Saturday. They play with dynamism and confidence, presenting France's toughest test yet.

For France, the 2022 runners-up, only three players from that semi-final started their win over Paraguay on Saturday. The emergence of centre-back William Saliba and creative midfielder Michael Olise has refreshed Didier Deschamps' squad. Kylian Mbappé remains the star, chasing both the Golden Boot and the record for all-time top scorer in World Cup tournaments, competing with Argentina's Lionel Messi.

Key Stats: Half of France's World Cup defeats this century have come against African teams (three of six). Morocco are unbeaten in their last 34 matches but have never beaten France, who have won seven consecutive matches and 11 of their last 12 against Morocco.

How to Follow: Listen to full BBC Radio 5 Live commentary on BBC Sounds and follow live text updates on the BBC Sport website and app.

Spain vs Belgium: Attack vs Defense

Date and Venue: Friday, Los Angeles Stadium, 20:00 BST

Belgium's 13 goals are the third-highest at this World Cup, behind Argentina and France (14 each). They have scored freely against New Zealand, Senegal, and the USA in their last three matches. Romelu Lukaku, despite not being at peak fitness, has scored three goals off the bench, averaging one every 67 minutes. Arsenal's Leandro Trossard has contributed two goals and two assists.

Spain, however, will be a much tougher test. They have not conceded a goal in the tournament and have kept six consecutive clean sheets, including their final match at the 2022 World Cup—the longest such run in World Cup history. Their expected goals against average of 0.3 per match is the lowest by any team since records began.

Key Stats: Under Luis de la Fuente, Spain have advanced from all six World Cup or European Championship knockout matches. This is their first quarter-final since winning the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Spain are unbeaten against Belgium in 11 meetings (nine wins, two draws). Belgium will hope to repeat history from 40 years ago, when they beat Spain on penalties in the 1986 quarter-finals in Mexico.

How to Follow: Watch live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, listen to BBC Radio 5 Live on BBC Sounds, and follow live text updates on the BBC Sport website and app.

Norway vs England: Haaland vs Kane

Date and Venue: Saturday, Miami Stadium, 22:00 BST

Norway's Erling Haaland has scored seven goals in four World Cup matches, including two in the round of 16 to eliminate five-time champions Brazil. The Manchester City striker has 62 goals in 54 international appearances, averaging one every 71 minutes. He has scored in 14 consecutive games for Norway, netting 27 goals in that span.

England's Harry Kane, a prolific scorer himself, will lead the line for the Three Lions. The match promises a fascinating duel between two of the world's best strikers, with both teams aiming to reach the semi-finals.