The semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup are set after defending champion Argentina defeated Switzerland on Saturday to claim the final spot in the tournament’s last four. Argentina will face England in the second semifinal, while France and Spain will meet in the other blockbuster matchup.
The victory keeps Lionel Messi’s hopes of leading Argentina to back-to-back World Cup titles alive and sets up one of the tournament’s most anticipated matches against an England side that reached the semifinals after defeating Norway 2-1 earlier in the day. Jude Bellingham scored both of England’s goals, including the extra-time winner, to send the Three Lions through.
Argentina was pushed to the limit once again before booking its place in the semifinals. Alexis Mac Allister gave the defending champions an early lead, but Dan Ndoye equalized in the second half for Switzerland. After the Swiss were reduced to 10 men following Breel Embolo’s red card, the match remained level until extra time, when Julián Álvarez struck a spectacular winner in the 112th minute. Lautaro Martínez added a third goal in stoppage time to seal a 3-1 victory and set up a semifinal against England.
Argentina had been pushed throughout the knockout stage before advancing again. After edging Egypt in the Round of 16, Lionel Scaloni’s side faced another stern test from Switzerland before securing its place among the tournament’s final four.
World Cup Semifinal Matchups Confirmed
The first semifinal will be played on Tuesday, July 14, when France takes on Spain in Dallas. France reached the last four by defeating surprise quarterfinalist Morocco, while Spain eliminated Belgium to continue its impressive run through the tournament.
The second semifinal is scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, with Argentina facing England. The matchup pits the defending world champions against an England team seeking its first World Cup final appearance since 1966.
With four traditional football powers remaining, the tournament is guaranteed to produce a heavyweight final. France is chasing consecutive World Cup final appearances, Spain is seeking another world title after its 2010 triumph, England is aiming to end a 60-year wait for a second championship, and Argentina remains on course to defend the trophy it won in Qatar four years ago.
The winners of the two semifinals will meet in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final on July 19, while the losing teams will contest the third-place match on July 18.
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