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World Cup 2026 Semi-Finals Set: England Face Argentina, Spain Meet France in Epic Showdown
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached its final four, and what a tournament it’s been. After a dramatic quarter-final round packed with extra-time heroics, red cards, and late winners, the stage is set for two blockbuster semi-finals in the United States. Here’s your complete guide to where we stand.
Quarter-Final Results Recap
| Match | Score | Venue | Key Moment |
|---|---|---|---|
| England vs Norway | 2-1 (AET) | Miami | Bellingham double sends England through |
| Argentina vs Switzerland | 3-1 (AET) | Kansas City | Embolo sent off; Alvarez stunner in ET |
| Spain vs Belgium | 2-1 | Los Angeles | Merino 88th-minute winner after Courtois injury |
| France vs Morocco | 2-0 | Boston | Dembele strike; dominant French display |
🇦🇷 Argentina 3-1 Switzerland (AET) — Drama in Kansas City
The reigning champions survived a major scare against a spirited Swiss side. Alexis Mac Allister headed home from Lionel Messi’s corner after just 10 minutes, but Dan Ndoye equalized in the 67th minute with a clinical finish through Emiliano Martinez’s legs. The game turned in the 72nd minute when Breel Embolo received a second yellow card for simulation after a VAR review — the Swiss striker was left in tears. Argentina struggled to break down ten men until Julian Alvarez curled in a 25-yard beauty in extra time, before Lautaro Martinez sealed it on the counter. Messi created history by becoming the first male player to register 10 World Cup assists.
🏴 England 2-1 Norway (AET) — Bellingham the Hero Again
Jude Bellingham continues to light up this World Cup. After falling behind to Andreas Schjelderup’s dipping strike, England equalized through Bellingham in first-half stoppage time. The 23-year-old struck again three minutes into extra time, pouncing on a rebound after Morgan Rogers’ shot was parried. Erling Haaland, subdued throughout, was substituted at the break in extra time. Bellingham has now scored six goals in the tournament — matching Gary Lineker’s record for most non-penalty goals by an England player in a single World Cup — and is the first player to score two or more in consecutive knockout games since Diego Maradona in 1986.
🇪🇸 Spain 2-1 Belgium — Merino Does It Again
Mikel Merino is Spain’s super-sub. After scoring a 91st-minute winner against Portugal in the round of 16, the Arsenal midfielder struck again in the 88th minute against Belgium — just 117 seconds after coming off the bench. Fabian Ruiz had given Spain a first-half lead before Charles de Ketelaere equalized. The game’s pivotal moment came when Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois went off injured in the 71st minute, and his replacement Senne Lammens spilled Pau Cubarsi’s shot, allowing Merino to pounce. Spain’s remarkable run of 649 minutes without conceding finally ended, but they march on to the semi-finals.
🇫🇷 France 2-0 Morocco — Les Bleus Cruise Through
France put in a commanding performance to dispatch Morocco, restricting their opponents to just one shot on target. Ousmane Dembele was the standout performer as Didier Deschamps’ side dominated from start to finish. Kylian Mbappe, who already has six goals in the tournament, missed a penalty but still poses the biggest threat to any defense. France are now two wins away from a third World Cup title and look every bit the tournament favorites.
🏆 Semi-Final Schedule
| Match | Date | Venue | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spain vs France | Tuesday, July 14 | Dallas Stadium, Dallas TX | 3:00 PM ET |
| England vs Argentina | Wednesday, July 15 | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta GA | 3:00 PM ET |
🎯 Golden Boot Race (Top 5)
| Player | Team | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Kylian Mbappé | France | 6 |
| Lionel Messi | Argentina | 6 |
| Jude Bellingham | England | 6 |
| Harry Kane | England | 6 |
| Erling Haaland | Norway | 5 |
🔮 Looking Ahead
The semi-finals promise fireworks. Can Jude Bellingham continue his Maradona-esque run against Lionel Messi’s Argentina in what will be Messi’s first-ever meeting with England? Will Spain’s late-game resilience hold against a fearsome French attack led by Mbappe? The winners meet in the 2026 World Cup Final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey.
❓ FAQ
When is the World Cup 2026 final?
Sunday, July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Has Messi ever played against England?
Remarkably, no — despite 200+ appearances and 125+ goals for Argentina, this will be Messi’s first meeting with the Three Lions.
Where can I watch the semi-finals?
Both matches will be broadcast live on Fox Sports in the US and the BBC in the UK.
Stay tuned to PC Master Deals for more World Cup 2026 coverage, match analysis, and the best tech deals to enjoy the beautiful game.