Photo caption: World Cup trophy and Trionda, the AI powered official football of the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has witnessed two nations break new ground, with Norway and Morocco qualifying for the quarter-finals for the first time in their history.
Norway pulled off one of the tournament’s biggest upsets by defeating five-time champions Brazil 2-1 in the Round of 16 to secure a historic place in the last eight.
The victory marks the Norwegians’ deepest-ever run at the World Cup and continues their remarkable campaign in the tournament.
Morocco also achieved a historic milestone after cruising to a 3-0 victory over Canada in the Round of 16.
The North Africans will now compete in the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time, underlining their continued rise as one of international football’s emerging forces.
Switzerland also booked a place in the last eight after edging Colombia on penalties following a goalless draw.
However, unlike Norway and Morocco, the Swiss are returning to familiar territory, having last reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 1954.
With the quarter-final lineup now complete, the tournament features a blend of established football giants and first-time quarter-finalists, with Norway and Morocco emerging as the surprise packages of the competition.
