Spain Leads Expected Goal Difference Rankings for 2026 World Cup Quarterfinalists

The lineup of teams advancing to the quarterfinal stage of the 2026 World Cup has been finalized, with eight national teams earning their places. Morocco continues to represent both Arab and African football in the tournament.

According to data from the global statistics network Opta, the ranking of the quarterfinalists is based on the expected goal difference (xG Difference), which evaluates the volume of scoring opportunities created by each team relative to those they conceded throughout the competition.

The rankings of the qualified teams are as follows:

• Spain (+8.3)
• Argentina (+7.9)
• England (+5.7)
• Norway (+1.3)

The quarterfinal matches will commence tomorrow, Thursday, with Morocco facing France at 11:00 p.m. Cairo time at Gillette Stadium.

Spain is scheduled to play Belgium on Friday at 10:00 p.m. at Sofi Stadium. Norway will meet England early Sunday morning at Hard Rock Stadium, followed by the final quarterfinal match between Argentina and Switzerland at Arrowhead Stadium.

Football fans are eagerly awaiting the start of the quarterfinals, as the eight teams remain closely matched in skill, continuing the competition for semifinal qualification in the 2026 World Cup.