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World Cup semi-finals set: Bellingham sinks Norway, Argentina outlast Switzerland

The 2026 World Cup final four is complete — and it is a heavyweight line-up. England and Argentina came through dramatic extra-time quarter-finals on Friday night, joining France and Spain in a semi-final field made up entirely of former world champions.

England 2-1 Norway (aet): Bellingham delivers again

In Miami, Norway struck first: Andreas Schjelderup’s blistering left-footed drive beat Jordan Pickford in the 36th minute. England’s answer came on the stroke of half-time — Jude Bellingham cut onto his right foot and fired low past Ørjan Nyland. The equaliser was not without controversy: moments earlier, the goalkeeper’s clearance appeared to clip the spider-cam wire above the pitch, with replays suggesting the ball changed direction.

In the third minute of extra time Bellingham struck again to complete his brace and send England into a World Cup semi-final for just the fourth time in the nation’s history.

Argentina 3-1 Switzerland (aet): the champions survive a scare

Alexis Mac Allister put the holders ahead after just ten minutes, but Dan Ndoye’s 67th-minute equaliser forced extra time. There, Argentina’s class told: Julián Álvarez restored the lead with a stunning strike from outside the box in the 112th minute, and Lautaro Martínez wrapped it up in the dying moments against a Switzerland side that finished with ten men.

The semi-finals

  • France vs Spain — Tuesday 14 July, Dallas (8pm UK time)
  • England vs Argentina — Wednesday 15 July, Atlanta (8pm UK time)

The final takes place on Sunday 19 July at New York New Jersey Stadium.