India, July 9 -- The 2026 FIFA World Cup has been whittled down from 48 teams to just eight, and with it, the margin for error has disappeared. The quarterfinals promise heavyweight clashes, redemption stories and dream runs. While some contenders have stormed through the knockout rounds with authority, others have survived by the narrowest of margins.

France continue to look like the team to beat in North America. Although Didier Deschamps' side appeared vulnerable against Paraguay's stubborn low block, with their feared attack blunted for long spells, Kylian Mbappe's second-half penalty proved enough to secure a 1-0 win. Defending champions Argentina, meanwhile, breezed through the group stage but have lived dangerously in the knockout...