By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
England and Argentina booked their places in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals after registering hard-fought quarterfinal victories over Norway and Switzerland respectively, setting up a mouth-watering last-four showdown between two of football’s biggest powerhouses.
England continued their impressive run in the tournament with a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway. The English side was made to work for every inch by a resilient Norwegians that had emerged as one of the surprise packages of the tournament after knocking out Brazil in the Round of 16.
Andreas Schjelderup gave Norway the lead with a superb dipping effort in the 36th minute. Jude Bellingham restored parity for England in first-half stoppage time before Norway had a goal ruled out after the break, denying them a chance to regain the lead.
England dominated possession for long spells and created several chances after falling behind. Norway defended resolutely but England’s persistence finally paid off when Bellingham capitalised on a spill by the Norwegian goalkeeper to score the winner three minutes into extra time, completing England’s comeback and sending the Three Lions into the semifinals.
The victory keeps England’s dream of lifting a second World Cup title alive after 1966 . Their balanced display in both attack and defence has made them one of the favourites to go all the way.
Later in Kansas City, defending champions Argentina overcame a spirited Switzerland 3-1 after extra time to keep their title defence on course. Alexis Mac Allister headed Argentina into the lead in the 10th minute from a Lionel Messi corner, but Dan Ndoye brought Switzerland level in the 67th minute with a clinical finish after a neat exchange with Ricardo Rodriguez.
Captain Lionel Messi endured a relatively quiet evening by his lofty standards. Although he created the opening goal and tested Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel on a couple of occasions, he was unable to find the net as Switzerland frustrated Argentina for long periods. The contest swung decisively in Argentina’s favour after Swiss striker Breel Embolo was sent off in the 72nd minute following a second yellow card.
The South Americans finally broke Switzerland’s resistance in extra time when Julián Álvarez unleashed a stunning long-range strike in the 112th minute. Lautaro Martínez then added the finishing touch in stoppage time after Kobel had parried Messi’s effort, sealing a 3-1 victory and Argentina’s place in the semifinals.
With England and Argentina joining France and Spain in the last four, the World Cup has produced a stellar semifinal lineup featuring four of the sport’s traditional heavyweights.
The semifinals will see France take on Spain, while England will meet Argentina in a heavyweight clash between two former world champions. With four footballing giants still in contention, the race for the World Cup title promises an enthralling finish as the remaining teams battle for a coveted place in the final.