England to face Argentina in World Cup semi-final after Norway victory

By Rohan Gupta — 12 July 2026 — 3 min read

England advances to semi-finals

England secured their spot in the World Cup 2026 semi-finals following a 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway in Miami. The match saw Jude Bellingham play a pivotal role, scoring both goals for England. His first goal came at the end of normal time, equalising after Andreas Schjelderup had put Norway ahead. Bellingham then scored the winning goal in the 93rd minute of extra time, capitalising on a rebound.

The victory sets up a highly anticipated semi-final clash against Argentina. Argentina advanced to the semi-finals by defeating Switzerland 3-1 after extra time. This upcoming match revives memories of the 1986 quarter-final between the two nations.

England’s manager, Thomas Tuchel, expressed dissatisfaction with his team’s performance despite the win, describing them as “lucky.” He engaged in a heated exchange with an interviewer, a sentiment that Bellingham later dismissed, stating his focus was on the players’ efforts. Bellingham’s mother, Denise, reportedly advised him to manage his emotions and avoid a yellow card, which would have led to a suspension for the semi-final. He successfully navigated the match without receiving a booking.

Controversy surrounding VAR and referee decisions

The match between England and Norway, as well as the Argentina versus Switzerland encounter, generated significant discussion regarding the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and refereeing decisions. In the England-Norway game, controversy arose around England’s equaliser. Reports suggested that Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland’s goal kick appeared to touch a cable above the Miami Stadium before the play that led to Bellingham’s goal. Additionally, a second goal for Norway was disallowed, a decision that could have altered the outcome of normal time.

The use of VAR also sparked strong reactions from Switzerland’s camp after their defeat to Argentina. Switzerland’s head coach, Murat Yakin, criticised the “mistaken identity” rule, which led to Breel Embolo being sent off. Initially, Leandro Paredes had been booked for a foul on Embolo, but after a VAR review, the decision was reversed, and Embolo received a second yellow card for simulation. Yakin argued that Paredes should not have been booked in the first place, which would have prevented VAR from intervening and ultimately led to Embolo’s dismissal.

Yakin described the rule as “extremely hurtful” and stated that it “destroyed our game today.” He expressed his belief that Switzerland deserved to be in the semi-finals and that the manner of their elimination was very painful. He also mentioned that Embolo was “shattered” by the decision. The sentiment among some fans and observers is that VAR has become too intrusive, with a growing number advocating for less intervention or even its complete removal.

Player performances and team dynamics

Jude Bellingham’s performance was highlighted as crucial for England, with his two goals securing their progression. He acknowledged the effort of his teammates, stating his pride in their ability to battle through adversity. Bellingham’s ability to manage psychological challenges and setbacks was noted as a valuable trait for the team at this stage of the tournament.

Despite the win, Tuchel’s critical assessment of England’s performance suggests potential internal tensions. Bellingham’s post-match comments, where he dismissed Tuchel’s criticisms, could indicate a developing dynamic within the squad as they prepare for the semi-final. The England team has demonstrated resilience, finding ways to win in three successive knockout games, often in challenging conditions.

For Norway, the defeat was a bitter pill, with some observers suggesting they should have capitalised on their opportunities earlier in the match. Erling Haaland’s substitution at half-time of extra time, potentially due to a slight injury, was a notable moment. Meanwhile, Jordan Henderson, who sustained an arm injury in a previous match, has not ruled out a return for the semi-finals, indicating a potential boost for England’s squad depth.

The upcoming semi-final against Argentina is expected to be an emotionally charged encounter, with both teams vying for a place in the World Cup 2026 final. Argentina’s head coach, Lionel Scaloni, has emphasised the importance of focusing on the football match itself, despite the historical context of the fixture. The match will take place on a Wednesday evening.

Source: theguardian.com

Rohan Gupta

Sports Reporter