Argentina edge past brave Switzerland, England survive Norway scare, and the road to the final is now mapped out. Here is everything you need to know.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has delivered yet another electrifying weekend of football, with all four quarter-final matches now complete. Argentina edged past Switzerland after extra time, England survived a stern Norwegian test, and the stage is set for a blockbuster semi-final lineup featuring World Cup royalty.
Argentina 2-1 Switzerland (AET) — Alvarez Magic Decides Kansas City Thriller
Reigning champions Argentina booked their semi-final spot in dramatic fashion, defeating a valiant 10-man Switzerland 2-1 in sweltering Kansas City. Julian Alvarez emerged as the hero, curling an unstoppable 25-yard effort past Gregor Kobel in extra time after a match filled with controversy.
Argentina took an early lead through Alexis Mac Allister, who flicked home Lionel Messi’s corner at the near post after just 10 minutes. However, Switzerland grew into the game and deservedly equalized through Nottingham Forest winger Dan Ndoye, who cut inside, played a slick one-two with Ricardo Rodriguez, and slotted through Emiliano Martinez’s legs.
The match’s defining moment came when Swiss striker Breel Embolo received a second yellow card for diving after a VAR review, reducing Switzerland to 10 men. Argentina’s superior firepower eventually told as Alvarez produced his moment of magic, and Lautaro Martinez sealed the victory on the counter-attack.
Lionel Messi made history yet again, becoming the first male player to register 10 assists in World Cup matches.
Norway 1-2 England (AET) — Bellingham Brace Sends Three Lions Through
In Miami, Jude Bellingham delivered another talismanic performance to fire England past a dangerous Norwegian side 2-1 after extra time. Thomas Tuchel’s team fell behind to Andreas Schjelderup’s dipping strike in the 36th minute but responded through Bellingham in first-half stoppage time.
Bellingham struck again just three minutes into extra time, pouncing after Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland could only parry a shot from substitute Morgan Rogers. Erling Haaland was kept quiet throughout and was substituted at the break in extra time, unable to influence the game.
England now stand one win away from reaching their first men’s World Cup final since lifting the trophy in 1966.
Semi-Final Schedule
- Spain vs France — Tuesday, July 14, Dallas Stadium, 20:00 BST
- Argentina vs England — Wednesday, July 15, Atlanta Stadium, 20:00 BST
The winners will meet in the World Cup Final on Sunday, July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium (20:00 BST).
What’s at Stake
Argentina are chasing back-to-back World Cup titles after lifting the trophy in Qatar 2022. Lionel Messi, now 39, is playing what is widely expected to be his final World Cup campaign.
England, under German manager Thomas Tuchel, are seeking their first men’s World Cup final appearance since 1966. After semi-final heartbreaks in 1990 and 2018, the Three Lions are desperate to go one step further.
Spain, the reigning European champions, have looked formidable and will face a France side that finished as runners-up in 2022 and is eager for redemption.
FAQ
Q: Where can I watch the semi-finals?
A: Argentina vs England will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK. Spain vs France will air on ITV. In the US, matches are on Fox Sports and Telemundo.
Q: Has England ever beaten Argentina in a World Cup knockout match?
A: Yes — most famously in the 1966 quarter-final (England won 1-0). Argentina won the 1986 quarter-final (Maradona’s “Hand of God”) and the 1998 Round of 16 on penalties.
Q: Who is the top scorer of the 2026 World Cup so far?
A: Jude Bellingham, Lautaro Martinez, and Kylian Mbappe are among the leading scorers heading into the semi-finals.
Upcoming Matches
| Date | Match | Stage | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, Jul 14 | Spain vs France | Semi-Final 1 | Dallas Stadium |
| Wed, Jul 15 | Argentina vs England | Semi-Final 2 | Atlanta Stadium |
| Sun, Jul 19 | Winner SF1 vs Winner SF2 | Final | New York New Jersey Stadium |
Stay tuned to PC Master Deals for the latest World Cup 2026 coverage and analysis.