The World Cup quarter-finals continue with two fascinating encounters as Norway face England before Argentina take on Switzerland. With a place in the semi-finals at stake, the margins for error are becoming increasingly small, and tactical discipline could prove just as important as individual brilliance.

Both fixtures offer intriguing opportunities on the Lucky Fish platform with our competitive odds for pre-match and Live-in-Play betting.

Value Bet

32/10 Norway | Draw 24/10 | England 17/20 – Saturday, 11 July 2026 (23:00)

Prediction: Draw at 24/10

Norway and England meet in what promises to be one of the most evenly matched quarter-finals of the tournament. Norway have built their success around a direct but technically gifted attack led by Erling Haaland, with Martin Ødegaard pulling the strings between midfield and attack. Ståle Solbakken's side are comfortable sitting in a compact shape before breaking quickly, using Haaland's pace and power to stretch opposition defences.

England, under Thomas Tuchel, have combined tactical discipline with attacking flexibility. Harry Kane often drops into midfield to link play, allowing runners such as Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon to exploit the space behind the defence. England will look to dominate possession without becoming vulnerable to Norway's rapid counter-attacks.

The biggest tactical battle will be in midfield, where Declan Rice is expected to shadow Ødegaard and limit his influence. If England can prevent Norway's captain from finding pockets of space, they will significantly reduce the quality of service into Haaland. At the other end, Kane's movement away from the penalty area could force Norway's centre-backs into difficult decisions over whether to follow him or maintain their defensive line. Set pieces may also prove decisive, with both teams possessing excellent aerial threats and quality delivery from wide areas.

Norway are expected to have a fully fit squad available after David Møller Wolfe returned to training following a minor injury concern. Oscar Bobb and Andreas Schjelderup are both pushing for starting places after impressive substitute appearances earlier in the tournament.

England, meanwhile, are without suspended defender Jarell Quansah, although Marc Guéhi is expected to return to the starting line-up. Declan Rice has recovered from a minor fitness concern and should partner England's midfield, while Jordan Henderson remains unavailable following arm surgery.

This match has all the ingredients of a tense knockout encounter. Norway have already shown they can eliminate elite opposition by defeating Brazil, and Haaland is capable of deciding any match with a single opportunity.

However, England's greater squad depth, defensive organisation and experience of navigating high-pressure knockout football could prove decisive. I expect Norway to create problems, but England's ability to control key moments should see them edge a closely contested match.

Best Bet

7/10 Argentina | Draw 9/4 | Switzerland 44/10 – Sunday, 12 July 2026 (03:00)

Prediction: Argentina to win & Over 1.5 at 12/10

Argentina's quarter-final against Switzerland presents a very different tactical contest. Lionel Scaloni's side prefer to dominate possession and patiently manipulate opponents through midfield before accelerating attacks around Lionel Messi. Argentina have shown resilience throughout the tournament, recovering from difficult situations and displaying the composure expected of defending champions.

Switzerland, by contrast, have reached this stage through defensive organisation, discipline and efficiency, frustrating opponents before striking on the counter-attack or capitalising on set pieces. Their penalty shootout victory over Colombia demonstrated both their mental strength and tactical discipline.

The central tactical battle revolves around Messi's freedom between Switzerland's midfield and defence. Switzerland will attempt to deny him space by remaining compact, forcing Argentina to move the ball patiently from side to side. If Messi is allowed to receive the ball facing goal, Argentina's forwards, whether Julián Álvarez or Lautaro Martínez, will look to exploit the gaps created by his movement and passing.

Switzerland's best opportunities are likely to come through quick transitions and dead-ball situations, where their physical presence could trouble Argentina's defence.

Argentina are expected to field their strongest available side after emerging from a demanding Round of 16 victory over Egypt without any major new injury concerns. Switzerland may receive a boost if Johan Manzambi is declared fit after recent injury worries, although his availability remains uncertain. Otherwise, Murat Yakin is expected to stick with the disciplined side that successfully eliminated Colombia.

Although Switzerland possess the defensive structure to frustrate Argentina for long periods, sustaining that concentration over 90 minutes against a side with Messi's creativity is an enormous challenge. Argentina have consistently found decisive moments in knockout football, and their superior technical quality should eventually break down the Swiss resistance.

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Weekend Treble

Molde to beat Aalesunds at 21/20
Vasteraas to beat Degerfors at 1/1
Atletico to beat Fortaleza at 27/20

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High Stakes in the Last Eight as Norway Face England and Argentina Meet Switzerland

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