MIAMI, July 12 (ANI): The FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal lineup has been confirmed, with England and Argentina overcoming tough quarterfinal tests to join France and Spain in the tournament’s final four.
England booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals with a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway, rallying from behind thanks to a brace from Jude Bellingham.
His decisive winner in the third minute of extra time secured England’s place in just the fourth World Cup semifinal in the nation’s history.
Argentina completed the semifinal lineup later in the day with a 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland. The defending champions continued their impressive knockout-stage form, scoring exactly three goals in each of their three knockout victories.
The results set up two blockbuster semifinal matchups, with France facing Spain and England taking on defending champion Argentina. While all four teams topped their respective groups, each has taken a different path to reach the final four.
The winner of the France-Spain semifinal will face either England or Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, scheduled to kick off at 12:30 a.m. IST on July 20. The two losing semifinalists will meet in the third-place playoff.
France has enjoyed the most convincing and controlled knockout-stage campaign among the four remaining teams.
After finishing atop Group I, France opened the knockout stage with a commanding 3-0 victory over Sweden in the Round of 32.
The team then edged Paraguay 1-0 in a tightly contested Round of 16 before delivering another disciplined performance in a 2-0 quarterfinal victory over Morocco to secure its place in the last four.
France has scored six goals in the knockout stage without conceding, underscoring its defensive discipline and composure under pressure. Even in tightly contested matches, the team has remained organized, while captain Kylian Mbappe has continued to provide the decisive edge in attack.
Spain finished atop Group H before launching its knockout campaign with a dominant 3-0 victory over Austria in the Round of 32.
The road then became considerably more challenging. Spain defeated Portugal 1-0 in a tightly contested Round of 16 clash before edging Belgium 2-1 in the quarterfinals to advance to the semifinals.
Spain has scored six goals while conceding just one in its three knockout-stage matches, highlighting its defensive strength and consistency.
England’s path to the semifinals has been far more dramatic than that of its remaining rivals.
After topping Group L, England edged DR Congo 2-1 in the Round of 32 before defeating Mexico 3-2 in a thrilling Round of 16 contest.
Norway presented an even greater challenge in the quarterfinals. England fell behind early, squandered several opportunities during regulation, and was forced into extra time before Jude Bellingham scored the decisive goal in a 2-1 comeback victory.
Notably, England has won each of its three knockout-stage matches by a one-goal margin, reflecting the resilience the team has shown throughout its run to the final four.
England has scored seven goals in the knockout stage but has also conceded in every match, making its route to the semifinals appear less dominant than the more controlled campaigns of France and Spain.
Argentina entered the knockout stage after winning all three group matches in Group J.
The defending champions began with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Cabo Verde in the Round of 32 before defeating Egypt by the same score in the Round of 16, once again relying on their attacking firepower to overcome a determined opponent.
Switzerland provided another stern test in the quarterfinals, pushing Argentina into extra time before the defending champions secured a 3-1 victory to book their place in the semifinals.
Argentina has scored nine goals in three knockout-stage matches, the highest total among the semifinalists.
Meanwhile, France captain Kylian Mbappe leads the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot with eight goals and three assists. He holds the tiebreaker over Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who also has eight goals but fewer assists. (ANI)
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