Julian Alvarez scored a spectacular extra-time winner as defending champions Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1 to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals. Lionel Messi’s side will now meet England after both teams needed extra time to progress, reports Asian Lite News Desk
Jude Bellingham fired a brace as England fought back from a goal down to defeat Norway in extra time and seal a place in the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The Real Madrid midfielder struck a late equaliser in the first half before netting the decisive goal in extra time to complete a 2-1 comeback victory for Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Norway made the brighter start and took the lead in the 36th minute through Andreas Schjelderup, who finished clinically after Erling Haaland had earlier tested England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford with a header.
England responded just before the break when Bellingham surged forward and calmly slotted home the equaliser. Harry Kane appeared to have put England ahead moments later, but his effort was ruled out for offside.
Norway thought they had regained the lead before the hour mark when Torbjorn Heggem found the net, but the goal was disallowed following a VAR review, which penalised Haaland for a foul on Elliot Anderson during the build-up.
The Norwegians continued to threaten, with Kristoffer Ajer hitting the crossbar, while England also came close through Djed Spence after a mistake by goalkeeper Orjan Nyland. With neither side able to find a winner in normal time, the contest went into extra time.
Bellingham proved the difference, reacting quickest after Nyland spilt a powerful effort from substitute Morgan Rogers to score from close range and send England into the last four. England will now face defending champions Argentina in the semifinals at Atlanta Stadium on July 15.
Meanwhile, Argentina booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals after defeating Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in Kansas City on Saturday, setting up a last-four meeting with England. Julian Alvarez proved the match winner with a stunning long-range strike in the second period of extra time before Lautaro Martinez added a third goal deep into stoppage time as Switzerland chased an equaliser.
Reacting to England’s hard-fought quarterfinal victory, the royal household praised the team’s performance and also acknowledged Norway’s spirited campaign. “Well done England! Top performance in a tough environment. This is a special team. Commiserations to a proud Norway team. Onto the semi final… Never in doubt!” the official account of the Prince and Princess of Wales wrote on X.
Meanwhile, Keir Starmer praised Jude Bellingham after the star midfielder inspired England to a 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway. Reacting to the triumph, Starmer posted a brief message on X highlighting Bellingham’s match-winning performance. “Norway 1 – 2 Jude Bellingham,” Starmer wrote on X.
