12/07/2026 10:41 - Deportes
Quarterfinals date: July 11, 2026
The tournament being held across North America is giving us unforgettable matchdays. After nearly 100 games, only the best in the world remain in the race. Friday, July 11, brought edge-of-your-seat results, with extra times, key errors, and figures stepping into the spotlight. According to Ámbito, the semifinal bracket features four historical champions seeking glory.
The Argentine National Team, managed by Lionel Scaloni, secured their spot in the semifinals after defeating Switzerland 3-1 in extra time. The goals were scored by Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, and Alexis Mac Allister, the latter coming from a set piece that sparked euphoria, even in Argentine football legend Carlos Tevez. The match, played at the Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, had its share of drama with the sending off of Breel Embolo and a minor blow to Lionel Messi's eye.
Massive celebrations took place in Argentina, particularly at the iconic intersection of 7th and 50th streets in La Plata (a major city in Buenos Aires Province, known as a traditional gathering spot for fans). Cristian Romero and Leandro Paredes left the pitch exhausted but victorious, proving the winning DNA of the group.
At the Miami Stadium, England suffered more than expected against a Norway side that had become the tournament's surprise by eliminating Brazil. The Nordic team took the lead with a stunning goal from Andreas Schjelderup in the 36th minute.
However, Jude Bellingham took responsibility and scored the equalizer before halftime. In extra time, a mistake by goalkeeper Orjan Nyland allowed Bellingham to seal the definitive 2-1. The VAR took center stage by disallowing goals for Harry Kane and Norway, and overturning a penalty for the English side.
The other side of the bracket will pit two European giants against each other. Spain eliminated Belgium with an agonizing 2-1 win in Los Angeles, thanks to goals from Fabián Ruíz and Mikel Merino, who scored 115 seconds after stepping onto the pitch, capitalizing on a mistake by substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens (who replaced the injured Thibaut Courtois). Unai Simón conceded his first goal of the tournament after 650 minutes without conceding.
France, meanwhile, beat Morocco 2-0. Kylian Mbappé missed a penalty but later scored, tying Lionel Messi at the top of the scoring charts with 8 goals in the tournament so far.
The 2026 World Cup will run until July 19, when the grand final will be played at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey between the top 2 of the initial 48 participating teams.
Lionel Messi, at 39 years old with 21 historical World Cup goals, will look to continue expanding his legacy and approach the record of 13 goals in a single World Cup held by Frenchman Just Fontaine for 68 years. This will be Messi's first match against England in senior national teams after 21 years and 205 matches.
A sad note on the side: The passing of South African player Jayden Adams, 25, was reported, causing shock in his country's football community.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
