England and Argentina will meet Wednesday after surviving dramatic quarterfinal matches
The 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered another night of knockout-stage drama as England and Argentina secured places in the semifinals.
England defeated Norway 2-1 after extra time in Miami. Later, Argentina earned a 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland in Kansas City.
As a result, England and Argentina will meet in a highly anticipated semifinal on Wednesday, July 15. The winner will advance to the World Cup final.
Norway strikes first against England
Norway entered its quarterfinal carrying confidence after eliminating Brazil in the previous round. Moreover, the team had already produced its best World Cup performance in decades.
England struggled to control the match during the opening period. Norway pressed aggressively and forced several mistakes from the English defense.
Andreas Schjelderup eventually gave Norway the lead. His ball from the left side flew beyond goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and into the far corner.
However, England responded before halftime.
Jude Bellingham produced an excellent individual finish to level the score. The midfielder’s goal shifted the momentum and gave England renewed confidence before the break.
Norway then regained control during the second half. Erling Haaland remained dangerous, while Martin Ødegaard helped his team create opportunities.
Kristoffer Ajer also came close to restoring Norway’s lead. His header struck the crossbar during a tense period of sustained pressure.
Nevertheless, England survived and forced extra time.
Bellingham sends England through
England started extra time with greater urgency. Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane created chances as Norway began to tire in the demanding Miami conditions.
The breakthrough arrived after Norwegian goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland failed to hold a long-range effort from substitute Morgan Rogers.
Bellingham reacted immediately and scored from close range. It was his second goal of the match and his sixth of the tournament.
England then protected its advantage through the closing stages. Norway continued to fight, but it could not find another equalizer.
The victory sent England into the World Cup 2026 semifinals. However, manager Thomas Tuchel acknowledged that his team did not produce its strongest overall performance.
Instead, England relied on determination, defensive recovery and Bellingham’s decisive finishing.
Argentina survives determined Switzerland
Argentina faced a different challenge against Switzerland.
The defending champions started well and took an early lead through Alexis Mac Allister. The midfielder headed home after Lionel Messi delivered a dangerous corner.
Switzerland remained patient and continued to frustrate Argentina. Eventually, Dan Ndoye scored the equalizer during the second half.
The Swiss defense then limited Argentina’s space. Granit Xhaka controlled important areas in midfield, while goalkeeper Gregor Kobel made several key interventions.
However, Switzerland’s position became much harder after Breel Embolo received a second yellow card.
Argentina used the numerical advantage to increase the pressure. Still, Switzerland held firm until extra time.
Julián Álvarez finally restored Argentina’s lead with a spectacular strike. Lautaro Martínez later added the third goal to complete the 3-1 victory.
Messi did not score, ending his long World Cup scoring run. Even so, he remained influential and created several opportunities for his teammates.
Historic semifinal awaits
The results created an England-Argentina semifinal filled with history, talent and global attention.
England will depend heavily on Bellingham, Kane and Saka. Meanwhile, Argentina will look toward Messi, Álvarez and its experienced midfield.
Both teams needed extra time to reach the World Cup 2026 semifinals. Therefore, recovery and squad depth could become major factors before Wednesday’s match.
France and Spain will compete in the other semifinal on July 14. The winners will meet in the World Cup final on July 19.
Norway and Switzerland leave the tournament after impressive campaigns. Still, England and Argentina now move one victory closer to football’s biggest prize.
Match results
Norway 1-2 England
After extra time
Miami Stadium, Miami
Argentina 3-1 Switzerland
After extra time
Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City
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