England and Argentina advanced to the semifinals after two quarterfinals over the weekend against Norway and Switzerland. For England, Jude Bellingham netted twice to inspire his team past Erling Haaland's Norway. Argentina needed Julián Alvarez's goal in extra time to help the team advance past Switzerland with a controversial VAR call. The last four is now complete with the four highest-ranked teams reaching the semifinals. Both Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have scored six goals in the competition for England. Argentina has scored the most goals out of anyone in the competition with 17.
England was last in a World Cup semifinal in 2018 but lost on that occasion to Croatia. With the country looking for its first World Cup title since 1966, there is immense pressure on Kane and Bellingham to keep producing match-winning moments. Argentina has the added bonus of experience, with many members of the current squad winning the title back in 2022. Lionel Messi has scored and provided crucial assists for Argentina as the defending champion looks to repeat. France faces Spain in the other semifinal, with France considered by many to be the tournament favorite. Spain beat France in the semifinals of Euro 2024 and also defeated France in the Nations League last year.