Saturday, July 11, 2026: Bellingham rescues England as Argentina survive again

The last two quarter-finals confirmed the resilience of the favourites while also showing how narrow the margins have become. In Miami, England had to recover from a goal down and wait until extra time to beat Norway 2-1. In Kansas City, Argentina also went beyond 90 minutes before defeating Switzerland 3-1.

The outsiders leave after pushing two major nations to their limits. Norway had already eliminated Brazil, while Switzerland had knocked out Colombia. Their runs are over, but their ability to remain competitive deep into these matches is one of the clearest lessons of this World Cup.

Andreas Schjelderup opened the scoring in the 36th minute for a brave Norway side that remained dangerous in transition. England struggled for fluency in the Miami heat before Jude Bellingham equalised just before half-time.

England's first goal was followed by an unusual debate over whether the ball had touched an overhead camera cable. FIFA later said the ball data showed no contact, so the goal stood despite Norway's protests.

Norway remained threatening after the break. Erling Haaland thought he had scored, but the goal was disallowed because of a foul in the move. With the score still 1-1 after 90 minutes, Bellingham struck again early in extra time after Ørjan Nyland failed to control the ball cleanly. His brace sent England into their first World Cup semi-final since 2018.

England advance without answering every question. They conceded first again and relied on individual brilliance. Against Argentina, they will need greater control in difficult phases, sharper counter-pressing and better support around Harry Kane.

Norway exit after a historic campaign. They eliminated Brazil, took England to extra time and proved they are far more than a team built around Haaland. Schjelderup confirmed his talent, while the collective structure held up against several elite opponents.

Haaland did not score in the quarter-final, but his presence occupied England's defence throughout. Norway's limitation appeared in squad depth and fatigue management. England had more options for extra time, but Norway leave with far greater credibility than they had at the start of the tournament.

Alexis Mac Allister put Argentina ahead in the 10th minute from a Lionel Messi corner. It was Messi's 10th World Cup assist and rewarded an aggressive start from the defending champions.

Switzerland refused to accept a passive role. Dan Ndoye equalised in the 67th minute and restored complete uncertainty to the tie. The turning point came soon afterwards when Breel Embolo received a second yellow card following a controversial simulation sequence and initial confusion over the identity of the player being punished.

Even with ten men, Switzerland survived into extra time. Julián Álvarez finally made it 2-1 in the 112th minute with a superb curling finish. Lautaro Martínez sealed the result in the 120th+1 minute. The 3-1 scoreline was harsh on the Swiss, but it again showed Argentina's ability to find answers very late in matches.

Messi did not score, but his set-piece delivery and creative influence remained central. Álvarez and Lautaro then demonstrated the depth of Argentina's attack. The champions still look vulnerable in spells, but their experience and mental strength remain enormous.

Switzerland complete their best World Cup run since 1954. Gregor Kobel, Granit Xhaka and a coherent defensive structure allowed them to compete with the defending champions. Ndoye was one of the team's revelations, combining relentless movement with the equaliser in this quarter-final.

Embolo's dismissal will remain the major frustration. Reduced to ten men from the 72nd minute, Switzerland resisted for roughly another 40 minutes before finally giving way. Their elimination feels less like a collapse than the end of a remarkable collective battle.

France, Spain, Argentina and England are the four teams still alive. Les Bleus will face Spain on July 14, before Argentina play England on July 15. A French victory would secure a third consecutive World Cup final.

France's immediate priority is recovery and preparation for Spain's press. Kylian Mbappé's physical condition will be watched closely. France must also exploit the spaces left by Spain's full-backs without dropping too deep against Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Dani Olmo.

All four nations enter the semi-finals on equal terms because none had an easy quarter-final. France had to manage Morocco, Spain waited until the 88th minute, and both England and Argentina required extra time. Recovery and tactical detail will matter as much as reputation.

No match is scheduled for Sunday, July 12. The day will be devoted to recovery, medical assessments and the first tactical adjustments before the semi-finals.

For France, attention will focus on Mbappé and the attacking selection against Spain. Argentina must measure the fatigue caused by 120 minutes against Switzerland, while England will assess several players tested by the Miami heat.

The next match is France-Spain on Tuesday, July 14. Until then, injury updates, training reports and predicted line-ups will become increasingly important.