England and Argentina survive extra-time scares to set up World Cup semi-final showdown in Atlanta

England pushed to the limit by Norway

England reached the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup with a 2-1 victory over Norway after extra time at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Norway took the lead in the 36th minute when Andreas Schjelderup's cross caught Jordan Pickford off guard. The Scandinavians had a chance to double their advantage but Alexander Sorloth opted to shoot instead of passing to Erling Haaland. Jude Bellingham equalised in first-half stoppage time, though Norway protested that the ball had touched a cable supporting a television camera before the build-up. FIFA later stated it found no evidence to support that claim.

Scandal.

Norway thought they had regained the lead after the break from a corner, but VAR intervened. Replays showed Haaland had fouled Elliot Anderson before the delivery, and the goal was disallowed. Fredrik Aursnes then struck the crossbar and Haaland's follow-up landed in the side netting. Bellingham punished those misses in the 93rd minute, capitalising on a mistake by goalkeeper Orjan Nyland to send England through.

Argentina overcome Switzerland in chaotic contest

Defending champions Argentina needed extra time of their own to dispatch Switzerland 3-1. Alexis Mac Allister headed them in front in the 10th minute, converting a corner from Lionel Messi. Switzerland levelled in the 67th minute when Dan Ndoye finished a move set up by Ricardo Rodriguez. The game turned on a VAR review that saw Breel Embolo, already on a yellow card, receive a second booking for simulation when he had initially appeared to be fouled by Leandro Paredes. Paredes's yellow was rescinded and Embolo was sent off.

Messi clashes with referee before the break

A tense exchange between Lionel Messi and Portuguese referee Joao Pedro Pinheiro erupted just before half-time. After a free-kick was awarded to Switzerland, Pinheiro instructed Messi to step back from the wall in what the Argentine captain perceived as a disrespectful tone. Spanish dailies Marca and AS, along with Argentine outlets Clarin, La Nacion and Todo Noticias, quoted Messi's reply.

Speak to me in the proper way, don't disrespect me. Speak to me properly, I addressed you properly.

No yellow card was shown for the exchange. Embolo was the only player booked in the first half, and his subsequent dismissal left Switzerland a man down for the remainder.

Alvarez and Martinez seal it late

With Switzerland tiring in extra time, Julian Alvarez produced a stunning strike in the 112th minute to put Argentina ahead. Lautaro Martinez added a third in stoppage time, pouncing on a rebound after an effort by Thiago Almada. Argentina, chasing a second consecutive World Cup title (a feat last achieved by Brazil in the late 1950s and early 1960s), will now face England in Atlanta on 15 July at 21:00 local time.

Semi-final line-up complete

The semi-finals begin on Tuesday 14 July when France meet Spain in Dallas/Arlington at 21:00 local time. England and Argentina follow 24 hours later in Atlanta. The final is scheduled for 19 July.