Argentina To Face England In 2026 FIFA World Cup Semi-finals

Argentina will take on England in a mouth-watering 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final after both sides survived dramatic quarter-final tests that went to extra time.

England booked their place in the last four with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Norway in Miami, thanks to a match-winning brace from Jude Bellingham.

Thomas Tuchel’s side fell behind in the 36th minute when Andreas Schjelderup’s dipping strike beat Jordan Pickford. England responded just before the break as Bellingham raced onto Anthony Gordon’s pass before calmly finishing beyond Orjan Nyland.

Tuchel reshuffled his side at half-time, withdrawing Declan Rice, who had been battling illness and injury, alongside Noni Madueke. Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze were introduced as England searched for a winner.

Norway came close after the restart, with Torbjorn Heggem seeing his goal ruled out because of Erling Haaland’s foul on Elliot Anderson. David Moller Wolfe also hit the crossbar as the Scandinavians threatened to regain the lead.

Haaland struggled to influence proceedings and was replaced during extra time. Moments earlier, Bellingham had scored again, reacting quickest after Nyland could only parry Morgan Rogers’ effort, sealing England’s place in the semi-finals.

The victory sends England into their third men’s World Cup semi-final since lifting the trophy in 1966. They were beaten by West Germany in 1990 and Croatia in 2018.

Argentina also needed extra time to beat Switzerland 3-1 in Kansas City after a game packed with controversy.

The defending champions made a bright start as Alexis Mac Allister glanced home Lionel Messi’s corner after only 10 minutes. Switzerland gradually took control and deservedly levelled through Dan Ndoye, who exchanged passes with Ricardo Rodriguez before firing through Emiliano Martinez’s legs.

The match turned on a major VAR decision midway through the second half. Breel Embolo, already on a yellow card, was initially awarded a free-kick after appearing to be fouled by Leandro Paredes. Following a review under the mistaken identity rule, officials ruled that Embolo had simulated contact.

Paredes’ booking was cancelled, while Embolo received a second yellow card and was sent off, leaving Switzerland to finish the match with 10 men.

Argentina eventually made their numerical advantage count. Julian Alvarez produced the decisive moment in extra time, curling a superb 25-yard effort beyond Gregor Kobel to restore his side’s lead.

As Switzerland chased another equaliser, they were caught on the break, allowing Lautaro Martinez to wrap up the victory and keep Argentina’s hopes of retaining the World Cup alive.

The reward is a blockbuster semi-final against England, with both nations now just one victory away from reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. They will clash at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15.

Naija News reports that the first Semi-finals of the tournament will take place between France and Spain at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14.