KANSAS CITY - Defending champions Argentina displayed the composure of title holders as two late extra-time goals secured a dramatic 3-1 victory over 10-man Switzerland in a pulsating FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final, sealing a mouth-watering semifinal showdown with England.
Lionel Scaloni’s men looked destined for a penalty shootout before Julián Álvarez produced a moment of brilliance in the 112th minute, curling an unstoppable long-range strike beyond Gregor Kobel to finally break Switzerland’s stubborn resistance. Lautaro Martínez added the finishing touch in the closing moments, calmly converting the rebound after Thiago Almada’s effort was parried, sparking jubilant celebrations among Argentina’s passionate supporters.
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Argentina had made the perfect start when Alexis Mac Allister headed home Lionel Messi’s corner in the 10th minute to register the tournament’s first goal conceded by Switzerland. However, the resilient Swiss responded impressively despite missing injured leading scorer Johan Manzambi. Dan Ndoye restored parity midway through the second half after a slick passing move, giving Switzerland renewed belief as they pushed the South American giants onto the back foot.
The turning point arrived in the 72nd minute when Breel Embolo was shown a second yellow card for simulation following a lengthy VAR review, reducing Switzerland to ten men. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Murat Yakin’s side defended courageously and appeared set to force penalties before Argentina’s superior quality proved decisive.
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Scaloni acknowledged that his side had endured another demanding night but praised their character in reaching the last four. The defeat ended Switzerland’s finest World Cup campaign in more than seven decades, while Argentina kept alive their dream of becoming the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup title.
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Jude Bellingham delivered another outstanding performance on football’s grandest stage, scoring twice to inspire England to a thrilling 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway and secure a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals. The Real Madrid star once again proved decisive, netting the winner early in extra time after England overcame a spirited Norwegian challenge in a pulsating quarterfinal at Miami Stadium. The victory keeps alive England’s quest to end a 60-year wait for a second World Cup title and sets up a mouth-watering semifinal clash with reigning champions Argentina.
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Norway stunned England in the 36th minute when Andreas Schjelderup produced a moment of brilliance, cutting inside before unleashing an unstoppable strike beyond goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. Martin Ødegaard dictated play in midfield, while Erling Haaland constantly threatened despite being denied by England’s resilient defence.
England responded moments before halftime as Bellingham latched onto Anthony Gordon’s incisive pass, glided beyond his marker and curled a composed finish into the far corner to restore parity. The second half was fiercely contested, with Norway seeing a goal ruled out following a VAR review for a foul in the build-up. England gradually asserted themselves through the energy of substitute Bukayo Saka, although Harry Kane also had an effort disallowed for offside. The decisive moment arrived three minutes into extra time when Morgan Rogers’ powerful drive was parried by Ørjan Nyland, allowing the alert Bellingham to convert the rebound. England manager Thomas Tuchel praised his team’s fighting spirit despite admitting the performance lacked fluency, while Norway bowed out with pride after an impressive tournament that announced their return among football’s elite.