England, Argentina set up blockbuster semifinal clash

England and Argentina booked their places in the World Cup 2026 semifinals after dramatic extra-time victories in their respective quarterfinals on Sunday, July 12.

The wins set up a blockbuster last-four showdown between two of international football’s biggest rivals. England will take on the defending champions after both sides overcame stubborn opposition in matches that were only decided after 90 minutes.

ENGLAND EDGE NORWAY IN EXTRA-TIME THRILLER

England secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Norway at the Miami Stadium, with Jude Bellingham scoring both goals to send Thomas Tuchel’s side into the semifinals.

Norway struck first in the 36th minute through Andreas Schjelderup, whose powerful effort found the far corner, but Bellingham restored parity in first-half stoppage time after weaving his way into the penalty area and finishing clinically.

The second half remained finely balanced, with Norway having a goal ruled out following a VAR review and both teams creating chances without finding a winner.

England capitalised early in extra time when Bellingham reacted quickest to convert the rebound after Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland had made the initial save.

The midfielder’s brace took him level with Harry Kane as England’s joint-leading scorer at the tournament with six goals.

England reached the World Cup semifinals for the fourth time in five tournaments despite coach Thomas Tuchel describing his side’s display as untidy and error-prone.

ARGENTINA OVERCOMES SWITZERLAND TO DEFEND TITLE BID

Defending champions Argentina needed extra time to defeat Switzerland 3-1 at Kansas City Stadium and continue their bid to retain the World Cup.

Alexis Mac Allister put Lionel Scaloni’s side ahead after just 10 minutes, but Switzerland responded strongly and drew level in the 67th through Dan Ndoye after a determined second-half display.

The Swiss were later reduced to 10 men when Breel Embolo was sent off late in the contest, yet they continued to frustrate Argentina and looked set to force a penalty shootout.

However, Julián Álvarez broke Swiss resistance with a decisive strike in the 112th before Lautaro Martínez added a third goal in stoppage time (120+1) to secure Argentina’s place in the last four.

The victory sets up a mouth-watering semifinal against England, while France will face Spain in the other semifinal.

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