As your favorite team has been eliminated from the World Cup, maintaining interest in the tournament can be challenging. To stay engaged, finding a new team to support can provide the excitement needed. While some may find it difficult to cheer for any team but their own, this guide offers a comprehensive look at the eight quarterfinalists, detailing their odds of winning, star players, and fan chants to help you fit right in.
Argentina
ODDS OF LIFTING THE TROPHY: +400 (bet $10, win $40)
STAR PLAYER: Lionel Messi
Argentina aims to become the first nation to retain the men's World Cup title since Brazil in 1962. Messi, the World Cup's all-time leading scorer with 21 goals, has also netted eight goals this year.
CHANT OF CHOICE: “Vamos, vamos Argentina” (Let’s go, Argentina)
CHOOSE THIS TEAM IF YOU LIKE: Safe bets, flavorful steak, and supremely talented No. 10s.
Belgium
ODDS OF LIFTING THE TROPHY: 30-1 (bet $10, win $300)
STAR PLAYERS: Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois
Belgium eliminated the United States in the round of 16, sparking discussions about various interventions. With low expectations heading into the tournament, their current performance has surprised many.
CHANT OF CHOICE: “Waar is dat feestje” (Where is the party) or “Tous ensemble” (All together)
CHOOSE THIS TEAM IF YOU LIKE: Waffles, chocolate, and long-lasting yet underperforming golden generations.
England
ODDS OF LIFTING THE TROPHY: +450 (bet $10, win $45)
STAR PLAYERS: Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham
England's men’s team has not won a major tournament since the 1966 World Cup, despite being the inventors of soccer. Their journey has been marked by numerous near-misses and challenges.
CHANT OF CHOICE: “It’s coming home”
CHOOSE THIS TEAM IF YOU LIKE: Oasis, lions, and decades of disappointment.
France
ODDS OF LIFTING THE TROPHY: +180 (bet $10, win $18)
STAR PLAYERS: Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise
The 2018 champions made a strong showing last year as runners-up. Didier Deschamps, France's departing coach, has already secured his legacy in World Cup history.
CHANT OF CHOICE: “Allez les bleus” (Go Blues)
CHOOSE THIS TEAM IF YOU LIKE: Baguettes, big towers, and fearsome attacks.
Morocco
ODDS OF LIFTING THE TROPHY: 27-1 (bet $10, win $270)
STAR PLAYERS: Achraf Hakimi, Yassine Bounou
Morocco made history in 2022 as the first African or Arab nation to reach the World Cup semifinals, and now aims to reclaim that success.
CHANT OF CHOICE: “Dima Maghrib” (Morocco Forever)
CHOOSE THIS TEAM IF YOU LIKE: Deserts, souks, and underdog victories.
Norway
ODDS OF LIFTING THE TROPHY: 14-1 (bet $10, win $140)
STAR PLAYERS: Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard
Norway has returned to the men’s World Cup for the first time since 1998, capturing the hearts of fans with their Viking Row performances.
CHANT OF CHOICE: “Ro! Ro!” (Row! Row!)
CHOOSE THIS TEAM IF YOU LIKE: Rowing, Snapchat, and seeing a big blond striker shine.
Spain
ODDS OF LIFTING THE TROPHY: +360 (bet $10, win $36)
STAR PLAYERS: Lamine Yamal, Rodri
Spain has yet to concede a goal during the tournament and features 16-year-old talent Yamal, who continues to impress on the field.
CHANT OF CHOICE: “Lolololo”
CHOOSE THIS TEAM IF YOU LIKE: Tapas, shutouts, and possession soccer.
Switzerland
ODDS OF LIFTING THE TROPHY: The Swiss maintain the longest odds in many sportsbooks, at 30-1 or more.
STAR PLAYERS: Granit Xhaka, Johan Manzambi
Having reached the quarterfinals for the first time in 72 years, Switzerland has shown resilience, particularly in the European Championship tournaments.
CHANT OF CHOICE: “Hopp Schwiiz” or “Hop Suisse” (Go Switzerland)
CHOOSE THIS TEAM IF YOU LIKE: Roger Federer, multiple languages, and efficient public transport.
For further insights and updates on the ongoing tournament, see more of AP's World Cup coverage here.











