Argentina will face England in a mouthwatering semi-final at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after both sides emerged victorious from dramatic and controversial quarter-final encounters.
Reigning champions Argentina booked their place in the last four with a hard-fought extra-time victory over Switzerland in sweltering conditions in Kansas City.
Forward Julián Álvarez produced the decisive moment of quality, curling a stunning 25-yard strike beyond goalkeeper Gregor Kobel to seal Argentina’s place in the semi-finals.
The match was overshadowed by controversy after Switzerland were reduced to 10 men in the second half. Striker Breel Embolo was shown a second yellow card for simulation following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review.
Referee initially booked Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes for a foul on Embolo, but after consulting VAR under the mistaken identity protocol, overturned the decision when replays showed the Swiss forward had simulated contact. Embolo’s earlier booking meant he was sent off, sparking frustration among Swiss players and supporters.
England also advanced with a 2-1 victory over Norway, although the result was met with complaints from the Norwegian camp over a series of contentious officiating decisions.
Norway argued that Jude Bellingham’s equalising goal should have been disallowed because the ball allegedly struck one of the stadium’s spidercam wires during the build-up. Under the Laws of the Game, play should be stopped and restarted with a dropped ball if the ball makes contact with such equipment.
“It’s ridiculous, this one with the wire,” Norway midfielder Sander Berge said after the match. “The scoreline says it all. There were fine margins, and we know which way they went.”
Norway captain Martin Ødegaard also questioned several refereeing decisions, saying the crucial moments failed to favour his side.
The Norwegians were further frustrated when a second-half header by Torbjørn Heggem was ruled out after a VAR review adjudged Erling Haaland to have fouled England’s Elliot Anderson while challenging for a corner.
Despite the controversies, England held on to secure victory and will now meet Argentina in one of the most eagerly anticipated semi-finals of the tournament, with a place in the 2026 World Cup final at stake.
