World Cup 2026 Semi-Finals Set: Messi Eyes Historic England Clash as Mbappé Returns and Ballon d’Or Race Heats Up
By VictorySport Live | FIFA World Cup 2026
The FIFA World Cup 2026 has entered its most exciting stage, with only four nations remaining in the race for football’s biggest prize. Every match now carries enormous pressure, while every goal could define a player’s legacy forever.
The semi-finals promise blockbuster encounters as Argentina prepare to face England, while France meet Spain in another heavyweight battle.
Beyond the action on the pitch, the tournament has also sparked major discussions surrounding the Ballon d’Or, controversial refereeing decisions, transfer rumours across Europe, and the emergence of football’s next generation.
Argentina Survive Another Dramatic Night
Argentina once again demonstrated why they remain one of the strongest tournament teams in world football.
The defending champions defeated Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in an intense quarter-final that tested their experience, mentality, and determination.
Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring before Julián Álvarez produced one of the finest goals of the tournament during extra time.
The victory extended Argentina’s incredible ability to survive difficult knockout matches.
Throughout the competition they have repeatedly found ways to win under pressure, proving why they remain favourites to lift another World Cup trophy.
Messi Ready for a Historic First Against England
Lionel Messi admitted that the upcoming semi-final will be unlike any other match in his legendary international career.
Although he has played against nearly every major football nation, England remains one of the few opponents he has never faced while representing Argentina.
Speaking after defeating Switzerland, Messi expressed his excitement.
“Facing England will be special. It’s my first time playing against them. They are one of football’s great nations and matches like these are always exciting.”
The Inter Miami captain also praised his teammates for their resilience after another exhausting knockout victory.
Messi believes Argentina’s fighting spirit has been the key to reaching yet another World Cup semi-final.
Messi Continues Breaking Records
Even at this stage of his remarkable career, Messi continues rewriting football history.
Against Switzerland he delivered another assist, becoming the first player ever to register 10 World Cup career assists.
He now also owns 15 goal contributions in World Cup knockout matches, the highest total recorded by any player over the last six decades.
His leadership, vision and experience continue to inspire Argentina as they chase another world title.
Young Argentina Stars Still Waiting
Despite Argentina’s success, several promising youngsters are yet to feature in the knockout rounds.
Nico Paz, Giuliano Simeone and Valentín Barco have all remained unused during Argentina’s elimination matches.
Coach Lionel Scaloni has preferred relying on experienced players throughout the tournament, believing consistency is crucial during high-pressure games.
However, the trio remain available should Argentina need fresh legs during the semi-finals or even the final.
Their patience could eventually be rewarded on football’s biggest stage.
England Eliminate Norway
England secured their place in the final four after overcoming Norway in a dramatic quarter-final.
The Three Lions once again relied on Jude Bellingham, who produced another world-class display to inspire his country.
His goals, leadership and composure helped England complete another comeback and book a date with Argentina.
Norway, despite boasting stars such as Erling Haaland, Martin Ødegaard, Antonio Nusa and Alexander Sørloth, were unable to continue their impressive World Cup journey.
Their elimination marked the end of one of the country’s strongest generations in recent years.
Bellingham’s Mother Played an Important Role
One of the tournament’s most heartwarming stories came from Jude Bellingham himself.
The Real Madrid midfielder revealed that his mother spent the entire week reminding him to remain calm on the pitch.
Knowing another yellow card would have ruled him out of the semi-final, Bellingham carefully controlled both his emotions and his tackling throughout the match.
After England’s victory, he admitted that his mother’s advice helped him stay focused.
He also praised the referee for allowing respectful communication during such an emotional encounter.
That discipline ensured England’s biggest star will now be available against Lionel Messi and Argentina.
Haaland Full of Praise for Bellingham
Although Norway’s World Cup dream ended, Erling Haaland showed enormous respect for his former Borussia Dortmund teammate.
The Manchester City striker described Bellingham as one of the world’s very best footballers.
According to Haaland, England and Real Madrid are fortunate to have a midfielder capable of influencing every aspect of the game.
Many analysts now believe Bellingham has been one of the standout performers of World Cup 2026.
Tuchel Wants More From England
Despite reaching the semi-finals, England manager Thomas Tuchel refused to become satisfied.
The German coach admitted his team were fortunate in certain moments and insisted they must improve if they hope to defeat Argentina.
Tuchel praised his players’ fighting spirit but highlighted technical mistakes and moments where England lost control of possession.
His honest assessment reflects the extremely high standards expected inside the England camp