Bellingham and Messi Light Up the World Cup — England vs. Argentina Is On!
Quick Summary
Two of soccer’s greatest teams are heading to the World Cup semifinals. England beat Norway and Argentina beat Switzerland — both in extra time — setting up a legendary clash in Atlanta on Wednesday.
What Happened?
Saturday was one of the biggest days of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Two huge quarterfinal matches were played. By the end, the four semifinalists were decided.
First, England faced Norway in Miami. Norway scored first in the 36th minute. England’s Jude Bellingham tied the game right before halftime. Then, deep in extra time, Bellingham struck again. His second goal sent England through with a 2–1 win.
Bellingham has now scored in back-to-back World Cup knockout matches. No player has done that since Diego Maradona did it all the way back in 1986. That’s 40 years ago!
Later that day, Argentina took on Switzerland in Kansas City. Alexis Mac Allister — set up by a pass from Lionel Messi — headed Argentina into the lead early. Switzerland fought back and tied the game in the second half. Then Breel Embolo was sent off with a red card. Argentina pressed hard, and in the 112th minute, Julian Alvarez curled in a stunning shot from 25 yards out. It flew into the top corner. Lautaro Martinez added one more in the final moments. Final score: Argentina 3, Switzerland 1.
Now all four semifinalists are set. France plays Spain on Tuesday in Texas. England plays Argentina on Wednesday in Atlanta.
Why Does It Matter?
England vs. Argentina is one of the most famous rivalries in all of sports. They have not met at a World Cup since 2002. That is 24 years ago!
Messi is 39 years old. This will be his last World Cup ever. He has already scored eight goals in the tournament — the most of any player. England last won the World Cup in 1966. That is 60 years ago. Both teams are desperate to lift the trophy.
Argentina is the reigning champion. They beat France in the final in 2022. Only two countries — Italy and Brazil — have ever defended a World Cup title. Can Argentina make it three?
Big Words
- Extra time — Two extra 15-minute halves played when a match is tied after 90 minutes
- Quarterfinal — The round of eight teams left in a tournament; winners go to the semifinals
- Semifinal — The round of four teams left; winners go to the final
- Rival — A competitor that a team has a special, historic history of competing against
- Defending champion — The team that won the tournament the last time it was held
Fun Fact
Jude Bellingham is just 23 years old. He became the first player to score two or more goals in back-to-back World Cup knockout matches at the same tournament since the legendary Diego Maradona did it in 1986!
Think About It
If you were the coach of either England or Argentina, what would your game plan be for Wednesday’s semifinal?
Sources
- Al Jazeera — Argentina beat Switzerland to set up World Cup 2026 semifinal with England
- CNN — Argentina and England set to renew rivalry in World Cup semifinals after dramatic quarterfinal wins
- Fox Sports — England vs. Argentina Confirmed For Semifinals: Here’s What To Know
- NBC News — World Cup 2026 live updates: England, Argentina edge into semifinal via extra time
- England Football (FA) — Fixture details as England reach FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals