Former England striker Gary Lineker has said he believes Jude Bellingham could be the country’s “greatest ever” footballer. The Real Madrid midfielder scored twice — the first player to do so in consecutive knockout stage games at a single World Cup since Diego Maradona in 1986 — in the 2-1 win over Norway which set up a semifinal against Argentina. Nine of Bellingham’s 12 England goals have been at major…
Lionel Messi has said Argentina‘s remarkable run of success is “not normal” after the reigning world champions beat Switzerland to reach the World Cup semifinals, where they will face England. Argentina overcame a mighty effort from a 10-man Switzerland squad to claim a 3-1 extra-time victory in Kansas City in the quarters on Saturday, after Breel Embolo‘s controversial sending off. It means three-time champions Argentina are on track to retain…
Lionel Messi said facing “powerhouse” England in a World Cup semifinal will be “special” after Argentina‘s win over Switzerland set up a first meeting between the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and Thomas Tuchel’s side. England and Argentina both emerged from quarterfinals via extra time on Saturday — with 2-1 and 3-1 wins against Norway and Switzerland respectively — and are now set for a blockbuster semifinal in Atlanta on Wednesday.…
Argentina national team forward Julián Álvarez said scoring his first 2026 World Cup goal felt like a release, recording the pivotal strike that earned La Albiceleste the lead to eliminate Switzerland 3-1 in the quarterfinal. Alvarez broke the draw in the 112th minute of the match with a with a stunning long-range strike into the corner of the goal, marking his first goal of the 2026 World Cup. “It was…
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Julián Álvarez sent defending champions Argentina into the World Cup semifinals with a stunning strike to help beat Switzerland after extra time on Saturday night. Lautaro Martínez added another with seconds left in extra time to make the 3-1 victory look a whole lot easier than it was Saturday night. Alexis Mac Allister also scored off a corner kick from Lionel Messi, helping La Albiceleste gut…
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Switzerland forward Breel Embolo was sent off in the second half of a World Cup quarterfinal match with Argentina on Saturday night after a video review found he was guilty of simulation. Leandro Paredes initially was shown the yellow card for a tackle, but video showed that Embolo was falling before the Argentina midfielder made contact with him. And because Embolo received a yellow card earlier…
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Jude Bellingham praised England ‘s fighting spirit and ability to “win dirty” after Thomas Tuchel criticised their performance in beating Norway on Saturday. The Three Lions came from a goal down to win 2-1 in extra time at Hard Rock Stadium as Bellingham scored twice to set up a semifinal showdown with either Argentina or Switzerland. – Bellingham’s big night eclipses anonymous Haaland – FIFA: ‘No…
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Jude Bellingham has revealed a pep talk from his mother was key in avoiding a yellow card in England’s 2-1 win over Norway which would have resulted in him missing the World Cup semifinal. Bellingham was one of five England players who picked up yellow cards in their 3-2 win over Mexico. He was once again England’s star man in Saturday’s win in the heat of…
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Erling Haaland‘s day ended earlier than many expected. About 15 minutes later, Norway‘s run in the World Cup ended as well. The Vikings’ biggest star didn’t shine Saturday. Haaland was a nonfactor for much of his team’s quarterfinal against England and – perhaps because of the strain of dealing with hot and humid conditions in South Florida – was taken out with Norway’s hopes hanging in…
