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The World Cup 2026 quarter-finals are complete, and the second semi-final is a heavyweight one steeped in history. England came from behind to beat Norway 2-1 in Miami, while defending champions Argentina needed a moment of magic to see off ten-man Switzerland 3-1 in Kansas City. Both required extra time — and both set up a mouth-watering meeting in Atlanta on Wednesday.
England 2-1 Norway (AET)
Once again, it was the Jude Bellingham show. England fell behind in the searing Florida heat when Andreas Schjelderup's cross-shot looped over Jordan Pickford in the 36th minute for a freak opener. But Bellingham levelled in first-half stoppage time, latching onto Anthony Gordon's pass, driving into the box and firing low into the corner.
Norway thought they'd struck again after the break, only for Torbjørn Heggem's effort to be ruled out by VAR for a Haaland push in the build-up, and Kristoffer Ajer rattled the crossbar as the underdogs pushed for a famous win. With penalties looming, Bellingham settled it three minutes into extra time, reacting quickest to bundle home after Ørjan Nyland spilled a long-range Morgan Rogers shot.
The double takes Bellingham to six goals at the tournament, level with Harry Kane. Erling Haaland, stuck on seven and well shackled by his Manchester City team-mates Marc Guéhi, John Stones and Nico O'Reilly, was substituted late as Norway's fairytale run — their best-ever World Cup — came to an end. For Thomas Tuchel's side, it's a fourth World Cup semi-final, after 1966, 1990 and 2018.
Argentina 3-1 Switzerland (AET)
Argentina made hard work of it, as they have all knockout stage. Alexis Mac Allister headed the world champions in front inside ten minutes from a Lionel Messi assist, and it looked comfortable — until Dan Ndoye nutmegged Emiliano Martínez to level for Switzerland in the 67th minute.
The turning point came soon after, when Breel Embolo picked up a second yellow card for a dive and left Switzerland down to ten men. The Swiss, who drill relentlessly for playing short-handed, threw up a red wall that even Messi couldn't breach in normal time. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 112th minute — and it was worth the wait. Julián Álvarez unleashed a stunning strike from around 20 yards that flew over the wall and into the top corner past Gregor Kobel. Lautaro Martínez added a third late in extra time to seal it.
Next up: England vs Argentina in the semi-finals
It's a semi-final that needs no selling. England and Argentina meet on Wednesday 15 July at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, reviving one of international football's most storied rivalries — from Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" in 1986 to David Beckham's red card in 1998 and his redemption penalty in 2002. With Messi potentially playing his final World Cup and Bellingham in the form of his life, the stage could hardly be bigger.
The winner goes through to the World Cup final on Sunday 19 July in New York, where either France or Spain will be waiting.
England vs Argentina — World Cup 2026 Semi-Final tickets
Don't miss one of the great World Cup rivalries renewed. Secure your seats for England vs Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday 15 July with LiveFootballTickets — your trusted marketplace for World Cup 2026 tickets.
