Friday Sep 18, 2026
Friday Sep 18, 2026
Monday, 13 July 2026 01:28 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Jude Bellingham struck twice as England came from behind to beat Norway 2-1 in extra time and book their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals.
The Real Madrid midfielder cancelled out Andreas Schjelderup’s opener late in the first half, before completing his brace in extra time to send Thomas Tuchel’s side through.
After a tentative start at Miami Stadium, Norway seized the initiative. Erling Haaland’s header straight at Jordan Pickford was a warning England didn’t heed, as Schjelderup swept a cross-shot in off the inside of the far post to give the Nordics a 36th-minute lead.
The Three Lions weathered a wave of pressure before levelling in first-half stoppage time through Bellingham’s driving run and cool finish. Harry Kane had the ball in the net moments later, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Torbjorn Heggem thought he had restored Norway’s lead just before the hour mark, only for the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) to intervene and chalk off the effort for Haaland’s push on Elliot Anderson following a corner.
Tuchel’s men survived another scare when Kristoffer Ajer headed against the crossbar, while Djed Spence almost capitalised on Nyland’s hurried clearance as a tense contest went to extra time.
Bellingham delivered the winner, reacting quickest from close range after Nyland spilled substitute Morgan Rogers’ fierce strike to bring Norway’s memorable World Cup run to an end.
Argentina downed 10-man Switzerland 3-1 in extra time in their FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final to set up a semi-final clash with England.
Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez struck in extra time as Argentina outlasted Switzerland at Kansas City Stadium in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals. Lionel Scaloni’s side, who were at a numerical advantage for almost 50 minutes, will now face fierce rivals England in the second semi-final at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday.
Switzerland started brightly, but Argentina struck first early through an unlikely source. Lionel Messi swung in the corner and 1.76-metre Alexis Mac Allister, despite being surrounded by towering opponents, headed it home firmly.
They were indebted to Emiliano Martinez for staying ahead. Breel Embolo escaped Lisandro Martinez’s handcuffs and raced through on goal, only for the goalkeeper to race from his line and avert the danger.
A defence-piercing Messi pass sent Nahuel Molina racing towards goal shortly into the second half, but the right-back dragged his shot wide. Switzerland suddenly took over and Dan Ndoye, after having one attempt heroically blocked by Lisandro and another saved superbly by Emiliano, slotted them level.
The contest then swung back into Argentina’s favour when, in the 72nd minute, Embolo collected his second yellow card for simulation and was sent off. Messi almost snatched victory in normal time when he jinked inside and, with his right foot, curled the ball narrowly wide.
Thiago Almada clipped the outside of Gregor Kobel’s post at the start of extra time, before a breathtaking Alvarez curler put Argentina in front and Lautaro sealed the deal.
Argentina will face England in the semi-final on 16 July a day after a cracker of a semi-final between France and Spain.
