The 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals are officially set after two dramatic quarterfinal matches that both required extra time to produce a winner.
Defending champions Argentina overcame a stubborn 10-man Switzerland 3-1, while England battled back to eliminate Norway 2-1 behind another match-winning performance from Jude Bellingham.
With both teams surviving exhausting knockout battles, football fans can now look forward to a blockbuster semifinal showdown between two of the sport’s biggest rivals.
Quarterfinal Results
| 🇦🇷 Argentina vs 🇨🇭 Switzerland | 3-1 (AET) |
| 🇳🇴 Norway vs 🏴 England | 1-2 (AET) |
Argentina Break Swiss Resistance After Extra-Time Drama
Argentina looked to be in complete control early when Alexis Mac Allister gave the defending champions the lead after just 10 minutes.
A perfectly delivered corner from Lionel Messi found Mac Allister, who rose above the Swiss defense to power a header past goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
However, Switzerland refused to fade away.
Despite several crucial interventions from Emiliano Martínez and Lisandro Martínez, the Swiss eventually found their breakthrough in the 67th minute. After two earlier attempts were denied, Dan Ndoye finally fired home to level the score and shift the momentum.
VAR Decision Changes the Match
The turning point came five minutes later.
Initially, Leandro Paredes received a yellow card following a challenge involving Breel Embolo. After reviewing the incident, VAR determined Embolo had simulated the contact before the tackle arrived.
The booking was transferred to Embolo under the mistaken identity protocol. Already carrying a yellow card from the first half, the Swiss striker received a second caution and was sent off, leaving Switzerland to finish the match with 10 players.
Even with the numerical advantage, Argentina struggled to find a winner during regulation time.
Álvarez and Lautaro Deliver When It Matters Most
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 112th minute.
Julián Álvarez produced one of the tournament’s finest goals, curling a stunning long-range effort beyond Kobel to restore Argentina’s lead.
With Switzerland committing everyone forward in search of another equalizer, Argentina sealed the victory in stoppage time of extra time.
Lautaro Martínez finished a lightning-fast counterattack in the 121st minute, confirming a 3-1 victory and sending La Albiceleste into another World Cup semifinal.
Jude Bellingham Inspires England’s Comeback Against Norway
England once again relied on Jude Bellingham, whose outstanding performance rescued the Three Lions from elimination.
Norway struck first in the 36th minute when Andreas Schjelderup calmly finished past Jordan Pickford after finding space inside the penalty area.
England refused to panic.
Just before halftime, Bellingham reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the box and buried the equalizer in first-half stoppage time, giving England renewed belief.
England Neutralizes Haaland
The second half became a tactical battle.
Managerial adjustments saw Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze introduced after halftime as England searched for a breakthrough.
Norway briefly thought they had regained the lead in the 56th minute, only for VAR to rule the goal out.
England’s defensive organization also produced one of the biggest stories of the night.
Erling Haaland, who entered the match riding a 15-game international scoring streak, was completely shut down. Unable to influence the game, Norway replaced their star striker with Jørgen Strand Larsen at the beginning of extra time.
Bellingham Strikes Again
Extra time barely had time to settle before Bellingham delivered once more.
Just three minutes into the additional period, the Real Madrid midfielder calmly scored his second goal of the evening to complete England’s comeback.
Norway nearly forced another twist after earning a penalty review in the 101st minute, but VAR overturned the decision.
England expertly managed the closing stages, with Dan Burn helping secure the defense as the Three Lions held on for a 2-1 victory.
2026 FIFA World Cup Semifinal Matchups
The final four are now confirmed, featuring two heavyweight clashes.
France vs Spain
Europe’s elite collide in a meeting between France’s tournament-best defense and Spain’s clinical attacking football.
France have yet to concede during the knockout stage, defeating Sweden, Paraguay and Morocco while combining defensive discipline with the attacking brilliance of Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé.
Spain have impressed with their trademark possession game, eliminating Portugal before edging Belgium thanks to Mikel Merino’s dramatic late winner.
The biggest battle may come between Mbappé’s explosive pace and Spain’s disciplined defensive line.
England vs Argentina
One of football’s greatest rivalries returns with a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final at stake.
England enter the semifinal after consecutive comeback victories over Mexico and Norway, with Jude Bellingham emerging as the team’s driving force.
Argentina, meanwhile, continue to prove why they remain world champions. After narrowly defeating Egypt and surviving Switzerland’s determined challenge, Lionel Scaloni’s side once again found decisive moments when the pressure was highest.
The spotlight will be on whether Argentina’s midfield can contain the in-form Bellingham, whose late runs into the penalty area have become England’s most dangerous weapon.
2026 FIFA World Cup Semifinal Schedule
- 🇫🇷 France vs Spain 🇪🇸
- 🏴 England vs Argentina 🇦🇷
With four football giants remaining, the race to lift the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy is entering its most dramatic stage.
