By Grace Zigah
The battle for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached its decisive stage, with four former world champions—France, Spain, England and defending champions Argentina—emerging as the last teams standing in the race for football’s biggest prize.
After nearly a month of thrilling football across the United States, Canada and Mexico, the expanded 48-team tournament has narrowed to four of the sport’s most successful nations, setting the stage for two blockbuster semi-final clashes that promise to captivate football fans around the world.
Argentina became the final nation to book a place in the last four after overcoming Switzerland 3-1 following extra time in a dramatic quarter-final encounter at Kansas City Stadium.
Although the final score appeared convincing, Lionel Scaloni’s men were pushed to their limits by a determined Swiss side. Alexis Mac Allister gave Argentina the lead from a Lionel Messi corner before Dan Ndoye equalised midway through the second half to force extra time.
The match took another dramatic turn when Switzerland were reduced to ten men after VAR corrected a case of mistaken identity, with Breel Embolo eventually shown a yellow card instead of Leandro Paredes.
Even with the numerical advantage, Argentina needed extra time to secure victory. Julián Álvarez restored the South Americans’ lead in the 112th minute before Lautaro Martínez sealed qualification with a stoppage-time goal to send the reigning champions into another World Cup semi-final.
Their reward is a mouthwatering showdown against England in Atlanta, renewing one of football’s fiercest rivalries.
The two nations share a long and emotional World Cup history, dating back to England’s victory in 1966 before Diego Maradona’s unforgettable “Hand of God” and “Goal of the Century” in Mexico 1986.
The rivalry was further intensified by David Beckham’s controversial red card in 1998 and England’s revenge four years later.
England, meanwhile, were also forced to dig deep before reaching the semi-finals.
Thomas Tuchel’s side survived a stern examination against Norway, who exposed weaknesses rarely seen during England’s impressive tournament.
Andreas Schjelderup fired Norway ahead before Jude Bellingham equalised just before half-time.
