World Cup Day 30: Alvarez Magic and Bellingham Brilliance Set Up Blockbuster Semi-Final

The final two quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup delivered drama, controversy, and extra-time heroics. England came from behind to beat Norway 2-1 in Miami thanks to a Jude Bellingham brace, while Argentina needed extra time to overcome Switzerland 3-1 in Kansas City after a contentious red card turned the match. The results complete the semi-final bracket: France vs Spain in Arlington on July 14, and England vs Argentina in Atlanta on July 15. Norway 1-2 England (AET) Norway struck first when Andreas Schjelderup's dipping effort from distance deceived Jordan Pickford and flew in after 36 minutes, silencing the England support in the sweltering Miami conditions. Thomas Tuchel's side needed an instant response, and Jude Bellingham provided it in first-half stoppage time, taking Anthony Gordon's pass perfectly in stride to beat Norway keeper Orjan Nyland. Tuchel was forced into half-time changes, replacing the influential Declan Rice — struggling with illness and injury — and Noni Madueke, sending on Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka. Norway threatened after the break, with Torbjorn Heggem having a goal ruled out for Erling Haaland's needless shove on Elliot Anderson, while David Moller Wolfe headed against the bar. Haaland was notably subdued and eventually substituted at the break in extra time. Three minutes into the added period, Bellingham struck again, pouncing after Nyland could only push out a shot from substitute Morgan Rogers to spark English jubilation. England's first World Cup semi-final since 2018 now awaits. Argentina 3-1 Switzerland (AET) Argentina looked set for a comfortable evening when Alexis Mac Allister flicked home Lionel Messi's corner at the near post after just 10 minutes. But the reigning champions went nearly 90 minutes without another shot on target, as Switzerland grew into the match and asserted themselves as the better side. Dan Ndoye deservedly equalized after 67 minutes, cutting in from the left, playing a one-two with Ricardo Rodriguez, and tucking his finish through the legs of Emiliano Martinez. The match turned controversially five minutes later when Breel Embolo, already on a yellow, was sent off after a VAR review. Embolo went to ground claiming a foul from Leandro Paredes, but replays showed clear simulation. The original Paredes booking was quashed, and Embolo received his second yellow — leaving the Swiss striker in tears and his teammates furious. Argentina assumed control but struggled to break down the ten men until Julian Alvarez produced a moment of pure brilliance, curling an unstoppable 25-yard effort past Gregor Kobel in the 112th minute. Lautaro Martinez slotted a third on the counter in the 121st. Messi didn't score but claimed his 10th World Cup assist — a new all-time record — while Argentina set a new tournament record for consecutive games scoring multiple goals, breaking Uruguay's mark dating back to 1954.   Upcoming Matches for July 15 (all times ET): 3PM ET — France vs Spain, Dallas Stadium, Dallas