Semifinals Set — Bellingham's Brace Ends Haaland's Norway, and Messi's Argentina Survive Again

The quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup finished on July 11, setting up the semifinals — and both of the day's ties went to a nerve-shredding extra time. England edged Norway and Argentina saw off Switzerland to complete the last four: France vs Spain, and England vs Argentina.

In Miami, England vs Norway ended in Haaland's tears. Norway led through Andreas Schjelderup's stunning 35th-minute strike, which flew in off the post, but Jude Bellingham equalised in first-half stoppage time. The tie went to extra time, and just three minutes in, Bellingham reacted quickest to a Morgan Rogers shot spilled by the goalkeeper to poke in the winner. 2-1. Norway's fairytale — a first-ever quarterfinal on their first World Cup appearance in 28 years — ended here, and a silenced Haaland, his 14-match scoring streak snapped, was substituted late in extra time.

In Kansas City, defending champions Argentina survived another extra-time battle, this time against Switzerland. Alexis Mac Allister headed them in front in the 10th minute, but Dan Ndoye levelled in the 67th. Switzerland were reduced to ten men when Breel Embolo was sent off for a second booking, and Argentina pulled clear in extra time through Julián Álvarez's superb curling finish (112') and a late Lautaro Martínez goal for a 3-1 win. Messi failed to score for the first time this tournament, but his team are through to the semifinals.

Earlier, France ended the run of Morocco — the 2022 semifinalists — with a 2-0 win, and Spain saw off Belgium 2-1. That completes the semifinals: a European heavyweight clash, France vs Spain (July 14), and England vs Messi's Argentina (July 15, Atlanta). One of favourites France and Spain, and one of Messi and Kane, will reach the final.

The semifinals begin on July 14, and the final is on July 19 in New Jersey. Follow the full bracket and kickoff times live on our bracket page (/bracket).