Argentina Set to Face England in 2026 FIFA World Cup Semi-Final

England secured their spot in the last four with a hard‑fought 2‑1 victory over Norway in Miami, thanks to a brace from Jude Bellingham.

Norway took an early lead in the 36th minute when Andreas Schjelderup’s dipping effort beat Jordan Pickford. England replied just before halftime as Bellingham latched onto Anthony Gordon’s pass and calmly slotted past Orjan Nyland.

At the break, Thomas Tuchel made tactical changes, withdrawing the unwell Declan Rice and Noni Madueke while bringing on Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze. Norway threatened to regain the lead after the restart, with a goal disallowed for Erling Haaland’s foul and a shot hitting the crossbar, but Haaland struggled to influence the game and was replaced during extra time.

Moments before the end of extra time, Bellingham pounced on a parried effort from Morgan Rogers to score his second, sealing England’s passage to the semi‑finals. This marks England’s third men’s World Cup semi‑final appearance since their 1966 triumph, having lost to West Germany in 1990 and Croatia in 2018.

Argentina also needed extra time to overcome Switzerland 3‑1 in Kansas City. The defending champions started strongly, with Alexis Mac Allister heading in a Lionel Messi corner after just ten minutes.

Switzerland gradually took control and levelled through Dan Ndoye, who combined with Ricardo Rodriguez before firing past Emiliano Martinez. A pivotal VAR moment midway through the second half saw Breel Embolo, already on a yellow, initially awarded a free‑kick after a challenge from Leandro Paredes. Upon review under the mistaken identity rule, officials determined Embolo had simulated contact, cancelled Paredes’ booking, and sent Embolo off with a second yellow, leaving Switzerland with ten men.

Argentina capitalised on the numerical advantage. Julian Alvarez struck a superb 25‑yard curler in extra time to restore the lead, and Lautaro Martinez sealed the win on the break, keeping Argentina’s title defence alive.

The stage is now set for a blockbuster semi‑final on Wednesday, July 15 at 8 p.m., with both nations just one victory away from reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.