The 2026 FIFA World Cup has delivered yet another night of high drama as England and Argentina both secured hard-fought extra-time victories in their quarter-final clashes, setting up a blockbuster semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday. For the first time since FIFA’s rankings began in 1992, the top four nations on paper — France, Spain, England, and Argentina — will contest the semi-finals.
Bellingham Inspires England Past Norway
In sweltering Miami heat (33°C, 65% humidity), England were pushed to their limits by a courageous Norway side in their first-ever World Cup quarter-final. Norway took the lead through a controversial Andreas Schjelderup cross-cum-shot, but Jude Bellingham responded with a sensational equalizer before halftime. Norway dominated the second half with Martin Ødegaard pulling the strings, but England held firm.
In extra time, Bellingham struck again — capitalizing on a spilled shot by goalkeeper Ørjan Håskjold Nyland to poach his sixth goal of the tournament and send England into the semi-finals. The 23-year-old Real Madrid star is now firmly in contention for both the Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament.
After the match, Bellingham revealed his mother’s advice helped him avoid a yellow card that would have ruled him out of the semi-final: “My mum drilled into me all week about watching my language, my tackles, my emotions.”
Álvarez Thunderbolt Breaks Swiss Resistance
Argentina’s path was equally dramatic. After Alexis Mac Allister’s early header, Switzerland grew into the game and equalized through Dan Ndoye. The turning point came when Breel Embolo was sent off for simulation after a controversial VAR intervention under FIFA’s “mistaken identity” rule — a decision that left Swiss coach Murat Yakin fuming.
Despite playing against ten men, Argentina struggled to break down a resilient Swiss defense. Lionel Messi was denied by Gregor Kobel, and chances went begging. Just as penalties loomed, Julián Álvarez produced a moment of pure magic — a vicious, swerving 22-yard strike that ripped into the top corner. Lautaro Martínez added a third in stoppage time to seal a 3-1 win.
England vs Argentina: 40 Years On from 1986
The semi-final arrives 40 years after Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” and his legendary solo goal in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final. The two nations haven’t met in a competitive fixture since 2005. Argentina’s José López vowed the team will “leave our lives on the field,” while coach Lionel Scaloni kept it simple: “The message is this is a football game, and that is all.”
In the other semi, France face Spain as both European giants aim for the final.
World Cup 2026 — Semi-Final Schedule
- Tuesday, July 14: France vs Spain
- Wednesday, July 15: England vs Argentina (Atlanta)
- Sunday, July 19: Grand Final
FAQ
Where is the England vs Argentina semi-final?
At Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Wednesday, July 15.
Who are the favorites to win?
All four semi-finalists are FIFA’s top-ranked nations. England’s Bellingham (6 goals) leads the charge, while Argentina are the defending champions. France and Spain have also impressed throughout the tournament.