Defending FIFA World Cup champions Argentina and 1966 winners England booked their places in the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after overcoming stubborn resistance from Switzerland and Norway respectively in dramatic quarterfinal clashes played on Saturday.
The victories set up a mouth-watering semifinal between two of international football’s biggest heavyweights, while the other semifinal will see France take on Spain.
England had to dig deep before defeating tournament surprise package Norway 2-1 after extra time in a pulsating encounter.
Norway stunned England in the 36th minute when Andreas Schjelderup found the back of the net after a swift attacking move, leaving the English defense exposed.
England responded just before halftime as Jude Bellingham produced a moment of brilliance to equalise and send the teams into the break level at 1-1.
Both sides created several opportunities during the second half, but neither could find the decisive goal. Norway thought they had regained the lead, only for the effort to be ruled out for a foul during the build-up, while England also saw a penalty decision overturned after a VAR review. Erling Haaland, who had been Norway’s leading scorer throughout the tournament, was well contained by the English defense and failed to convert the few chances that came his way.
With the match locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes, extra time was required.
Just three minutes into the additional period, Bellingham struck again in the 93rd minute after reacting quickest to a loose ball following a save by Norwegian goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland, completing his brace and sending England into the last four.
Norway pushed hard for another equaliser, but England’s defense held firm to seal a memorable victory.
Later in the evening, Argentina overcame a determined Swiss side 3-1 after extra time to keep alive their hopes of retaining the World Cup title.
Switzerland frustrated the South Americans for long periods with disciplined defending and created several dangerous attacks of their own, forcing Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez into important saves.
After a goalless 90 minutes, the match burst into life in extra time.
Alexis Mac Allister broke the deadlock with a well-taken header before Switzerland responded to level matters despite being reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of Breel Embolo.
However, Argentina’s quality eventually proved decisive. Julián Álvarez restored the lead with a superb strike before Lionel Messi capped another influential performance by providing an assist as Argentina added a late third goal to seal a 3-1 victory. Switzerland also squandered promising opportunities to take the lead during regulation time but failed to beat Martínez when it mattered most.
The semifinal line-up is now complete, with France set to face Spain in the first semifinal, while Argentina will renew their rivalry with England in the second semifinal for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.