MIAMI, United States, July 12 — Jude Bellingham struck twice as England rallied past Norway 2-1 in extra time to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals, while defending champion Argentina overcame 10-man Switzerland with a dramatic extra-time victory.
England survived a major scare before Bellingham’s brilliance settled a tense quarterfinal in Miami, where the Real Madrid midfielder scored a stoppage-time equalizer in the first half before firing home the winner early in extra time.”Character, perseverance [got us through]. Even when things weren’t working, we gave everything we had,” Bellingham said. “I’m so proud of the team. It was a victory for everyone.” The match struggled to ignite in the sweltering Miami heat, but Norway made the breakthrough in the 36th minute when Andreas Schjelderup’s cross-shot caught England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford off guard and crept in off the far post. England responded just before halftime. Anthony Gordon’s driving run created the opening for Bellingham, who weaved past defenders before smashing a left-footed finish into the net.
Norway thought it had regained the lead after the break through Torbjorn Heggem, but the goal was overturned following a VAR review for a foul by Erling Haaland in the buildup. With neither side able to find a winner in regulation time, Bellingham delivered again in the 93rd minute. After goalkeeper Orjan Nyland spilled Morgan Rogers’ long-range effort, the midfielder reacted quickest to fire home from close range and end Norway’s historic run. The victory sent England into its first World Cup semifinal since 2018 and kept alive its pursuit of a second world title after the triumph of 1966. It also marked England’s fourth appearance in the tournament’s last four. “We made life very, very difficult for ourselves today,” England coach Thomas Tuchel said. “The result is fantastic, but I’m not happy with the performance. We got lucky today. We need to play better.”
Norway, meanwhile, exited after reaching the quarterfinals for the first time in its World Cup history. In Kansas City, Argentina booked a semifinal clash with England after beating Switzerland 3-1 in extra time in a match that turned in the defending champion’s favor after the Swiss were reduced to 10 men. Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez struck in extra time to seal victory, while Alexis Mac Allister had earlier put Argentina ahead with a powerful header from Lionel Messi’s corner. Switzerland responded through Dan Ndoye, who capitalized after a spell of pressure to level the contest. But their hopes faded when Breel Embolo was sent off in the 72nd minute after receiving a second yellow card. Argentina pushed forward in the closing stages, with Messi narrowly missing a late winner in regulation time. In extra time, Alvarez produced a moment of individual brilliance, curling a superb effort into the net before Martinez added another to secure Argentina’s place in the final four. Argentina will face England in Atlanta on July 15, setting up a heavyweight showdown between two former champions and global football powers.
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