The 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals are locked in, and football fans around the globe are in for a treat. After two dramatic quarter-final clashes on Saturday, England, Argentina, France, and Spain have emerged as the last four standing — marking the first time in World Cup history that the tournament’s semi-finalists are the top four teams in the FIFA World Rankings.
🏴 England 2–1 Norway (AET) — Bellingham Delivers Again
In the sweltering Miami heat (33°C with 65% humidity), England survived a stern test from a fearless Norway side making their first World Cup quarter-final appearance. After falling behind to Andreas Schjelderup’s controversial cross-turned-shot, England looked rattled — but Jude Bellingham produced another masterclass.
Bellingham equalised before half-time with a dazzling solo run, cutting inside from the left and beating Ørjan Nyland at the near post. In extra time, he pounced on a spilled shot from Morgan Rogers to tap home his second — moving him to six goals for the tournament and firmly into Golden Boot contention.
Thomas Tuchel’s tactical reshuffles — including introducing Reece James as a holding midfielder — kept England alive against a Norwegian side marshalled by Martin Ødegaard and a quiet Erling Haaland, who was substituted after the first period of extra time. John Stones and Marc Guéhi kept Haaland off the scoresheet in a heroic defensive display.
“The biggest thing is psychological — how you can manage setbacks and adversity,” Bellingham said after the match. “This team showed yet again that they can do it.”
🇦🇷 Argentina 3–1 Switzerland (AET) — Álvarez’s Stunner Settles Controversial Affair
In Kansas City, the reigning world champions advanced, but not without controversy. Alexis Mac Allister had given Argentina a dream start, flicking home Lionel Messi’s corner inside 10 minutes. But Switzerland grew into the match and deservedly equalised through Nottingham Forest winger Dan Ndoye, who tucked through Emiliano Martínez’s legs after a slick one-two.
The game’s defining moment came when Breel Embolo was sent off for simulation after a VAR review for mistaken identity. Embolo, already on a yellow, went down theatrically under no contact from Leandro Paredes — and the referee overturned Paredes’ booking to give Embolo a second yellow instead. The Swiss striker left the pitch in tears.
With the extra man, Argentina eventually broke through. Julián Álvarez curled a stunning 25-yard strike past Gregor Kobel to break Swiss resistance, before Lautaro Martínez sealed the win on the counter-attack. Messi failed to score for the first time this tournament but registered his record-extending 10th World Cup assist.
🇫🇷 France vs 🇪🇸 Spain — The Other Semi-Final
The first semi-final pits two European heavyweights against each other. France, led by the irrepressible Kylian Mbappé (joint-top scorer with 8 goals alongside Messi), have looked formidable throughout the tournament. Spain, playing their trademark possession football, will be a tough nut to crack.
🗓️ Semi-Final Schedule
| Match | Date | Venue | Time (BST) |
| France vs Spain | Tue 14 July | Dallas, TX | 20:00 |
| England vs Argentina | Wed 15 July | Atlanta, GA | 20:00 |
| Final | Sun 19 July | East Rutherford, NJ | 18:00 |
❓ FAQ
Q: Who is the top scorer of the 2026 World Cup so far?
A: Lionel Messi (Argentina) and Kylian Mbappé (France) are tied at the top with 8 goals each, with Jude Bellingham (6) in hot pursuit.
Q: When and where is the 2026 World Cup final?
A: The final will be played on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, kicking off at 18:00 BST / 13:00 ET.
Q: Has this ever happened before — the top 4 ranked teams in the semis?
A: No. This is the first time since FIFA’s world rankings began in 1992 that the semi-final line-up consists of the top four ranked nations.
Which team are you backing to lift the trophy on July 19? Drop your predictions below! 👇