Today, July 11, the 2026 World Cup format with 48 teams reaches a logical crossroads: two quarterfinals will determine the last four semifinalists. France is already waiting for an opponent after beating Morocco (2:0), and Spain after their comeback against Belgium (2:1). Now it's Norway, England, Argentina, and Switzerland's turn.
Norway vs England: A Strikers' Duel and Tournament Logic
The match in Miami (kick-off at 22:00 Kyiv time) is the first-ever meeting between these two sides at a World Cup. Norway returned to the World Cup for the first time since 1998 and have already set a national record by reaching the quarterfinals. Their path: victories over Côte d'Ivoire (Round of 32) and Brazil (Round of 16, 2:1). England eliminated DR Congo and Mexico (3:2 at the Azteca), topping Group L with seven points.
The main axis of the contest is statistical. Haaland has scored 7 goals in 4 matches (1.8 goals per 90 min), Kane — 6 goals in 5 matches (1.2 goals per 90 min). Both trail Messi and Mbappé (8 goals each), but today decides which of them continues the race for the Golden Boot. Haaland is on a streak of 14 consecutive international matches in which he has scored — and he sat out Norway's group-stage game against France, when qualification was already secured.
England have defensive personnel problems: centre-back Jarell Quansah is suspended for two matches following a red card against Mexico, while Marc Guéhi and Reece James are doubts through injury. Norway, by contrast, have a fully fit squad.
Argentina vs Switzerland: The Reigning Champions and the "Neutraliser"
The second quarterfinal kicks off at 02:00 Kyiv time (the night of July 12) in Kansas City. Argentina reached this stage via a dramatic comeback against Egypt (3:2, Messi scoring in the 83rd minute) and a victory over Cape Verde in extra time. Switzerland eliminated Algeria (2:0) and Colombia — after a goalless draw in normal time, they won the penalty shootout 4:3. Ahead of the match, the Nati lost their tournament top scorer Johan Manzambi to a knee injury — he missed the Round of 16 and will not feature tonight either.
Scenarios
Scenario 1: Norway neutralise Kane — and Haaland decides it. If the Norwegians can limit Bellingham and Kane (who account for 10 of England's 11 goals combined), and Haaland converts even one of his typical penalty-area chances, Norway will reach a World Cup semifinal for the first time in history. The consequence: Haaland moves to 8 goals and becomes a genuine Golden Boot contender.
Scenario 2: England control the tempo and win through positional play. Tuchel could set up a compact mid-block and look to counter through Gordon and Saka. England have not lost any of their five matches at the tournament. If Kane scores, he draws level with Haaland and advances to a semifinal against the winner of France vs Spain.
Scenario 3: Argentina vs Switzerland goes to extra time or penalties. Switzerland have already shown they can "shut up shop" and win shootouts (4:3 against Colombia). Without Manzambi their attacking threat is reduced, but their defensive discipline remains intact. If Messi cannot find a solution in normal time, a penalty shootout is entirely plausible — and Argentina have no guarantees there.
The winners of tonight's ties will meet in the second semifinal on July 15 in Atlanta. We have already written about how the 48-team format produced a bracket with no weak matchups — and tonight's fixtures confirm it: not a single game without genuine intrigue.
What to watch tonight: in Norway vs England, keep an eye on the positional duel between Ødegaard and Rice in the centre of the pitch — that is where control of the tempo will be decided. In Argentina vs Switzerland, the key indicator is how many shots Messi takes from open play: if he is active in positional attacks, the Albiceleste are dangerous. Tomorrow at 21:00 Kyiv time comes the first semifinal: France vs Spain in Dallas.
See also: Argentina survived Cape Verde's miracle, Egypt advanced on penalties: the night of…
Photo: Sean Leahy · Editorial (source)
