England beat Norway 2-1 and Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1, both after extra time, to complete a World Cup semi-final field of France, Spain, England and Argentina. England play Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday, their first World Cup meeting since 2002 and the first Lionel Messi has faced England. The most expanded tournament ever has produced its most conventional last four.
The most expanded World Cup yet has produced its most predictable semi-final field.
Argentina beat 10-man Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in Kansas City, sealed by late Alvarez and Martinez goals.
Argentina beat 10-man Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in Kansas City on 12 July. Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez scored late, once Breel Embolo's 72nd-minute red card left Switzerland a man short.
The result ends Switzerland's best World Cup run since 1954, while Scaloni reaches his fourth successive semi-final as Argentina manager, with England next in Atlanta.
Jude Bellingham scored twice, including a 93rd-minute winner, as England beat Norway after extra time in Miami.
Jude Bellingham scored twice as England beat Norway 2-1 after extra time in Miami on 11 July, following his double against Mexico in the previous round . Jordan Pickford also set a national record with his 18th World Cup appearance.
It sends England into a fourth World Cup semi-final in the nation's history, against Argentina in Atlanta, in a rerun of one of football's oldest rivalries.
Sideways. The 2026 World Cup is progressing on schedule with two fixed decision points ahead: France v Spain on 14 July and England v Argentina in Atlanta on 15 July, both semi-finals already dated and venued.
AI-assisted, human-edited under the editorial responsibility of Bannermedia Ltd. Reviewed by Ed Woodcock on 12 July 2026. Editorial standards.
