World Cup quarterfinals conclude with England versus Norway and Argentina against Switzerland
The final two spots in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals are set to be decided today as England faces Norway, followed by defending champions Argentina taking on Switzerland. These matches will complete the semifinal lineup, with France and Spain having already secured their places.
The Opta supercomputer has identified England and Argentina as favorites to advance. However, both Norway and Switzerland will aim to cause upsets in their respective quarterfinal encounters.
Quarterfinal schedule and predictions
The day’s first match features Norway against England at 5:00 PM ET (21:00 GMT) at Miami Stadium in the US. This marks the first time these two nations have met in a World Cup, though England has a historical advantage with eight wins in 12 overall meetings, compared to Norway‘s two. Norway has not scored in their last four matches against England, with their most recent game being a 1-0 friendly win for England in September 2014.
The Opta supercomputer gives England a 50.4 percent chance of winning within 90 minutes, based on 25,000 simulations. Their overall probability of progressing, including extra time and penalties, is 62.3 percent. Norway has a 25.1 percent chance of winning in normal time, while a draw after 90 minutes occurred in 24.6 percent of simulations. The match features two prominent strikers, Erling Haaland for Norway and Harry Kane for England, who are also competing for the Golden Boot.
The second quarterfinal match sees Argentina play Switzerland at 8:00 PM ET (01:00 GMT Sunday) at Kansas City Stadium, US. Argentina enters this match with a strong historical record against Switzerland, being unbeaten in seven previous encounters, with five wins and two draws. The Opta supercomputer predicts Argentina to advance, giving Lionel Messi‘s side a 57.1 percent chance of winning in 90 minutes from 25,000 simulations. Switzerland has an 18.7 percent probability of winning in normal time, and 24.2 percent of simulations resulted in a draw after 90 minutes. Overall, Argentina progresses in 69.4 percent of simulations, leaving Switzerland with a 30.6 percent chance.
The winners of these two quarterfinals will face each other in the semifinal on July 15 at Atlanta Stadium.
Player narratives and coaching changes
The match between England and Norway has been framed by some as a “Vikings battle.” Erling Haaland has gained an unexpected following among Mexican fans on social media, responding to their posts after Mexico‘s elimination by England. He has embraced the online support, even using the phrase “Y si si?” (“What if I do?”) in response to a fan urging him to eliminate England.
Harry Kane, on the other hand, has downplayed comparisons with Haaland, stating that they are “completely different players” despite both being number nines. Kane noted his preference for getting on the ball more, while acknowledging Haaland‘s physical prowess and finishing ability. Both players are high in the scoring charts, with Haaland having scored seven goals and Kane six, trailing Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, who each have eight.
In other news, Portugal has appointed Jorge Jesus as its new coach following a disappointing World Cup campaign. The 71-year-old succeeds Roberto Martinez, whose departure was announced earlier this week after Portugal‘s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the round-of-16. Jesus, who previously coached clubs like Benfica, Sporting CP, and Al-Nassr, plans to speak with Cristiano Ronaldo regarding his international future.
Meanwhile, Morocco‘s World Cup journey ended with a 2-0 quarterfinal defeat to France. Despite the loss, Morocco became the first African nation to reach consecutive World Cup quarterfinals. The nation now looks ahead to cohosting the World Cup in 2030 alongside Portugal and Spain, which will grant them automatic qualification as hosts.
France captain Kylian Mbappe, whose team booked a semifinal spot with a 2-0 victory over Morocco, has cautioned against comparing the current squad to past French greats, stating that the team “hasn’t achieved anything yet” despite its potential. Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele have collectively scored 13 goals in the tournament.
The quarterfinal matches are scheduled for Saturday, July 11.
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Source: aljazeera.com
