In the early hours of 12 July, the last quarter-final of the 2026 World Cup came to a close: Argentina defeated Switzerland 3:1 in extra time (kick-off at 04:00 Kyiv time, final whistle after 06:30). The morning digest did not have time to cover this result — so it becomes the main story of the afternoon edition. All four semi-finalists are now known: the 2026 World Cup match schedule in Kyiv time has already been updated.
Argentina – Switzerland 3:1 (a.e.t.): Álvarez decides the tie
The match at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City kicked off at 04:00 Kyiv time and went to extra time. As early as the 10th minute, Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring with a header from a Messi corner. Switzerland levelled and played with ten men from the 72nd minute, yet held on until the end of regular time. In the 112th minute, Julián Álvarez finished off an attack with a strike from 25 metres into the top corner. In added time of extra time, Lautaro Martínez made it 3:1 to set the final score.
Messi contributed an assist in this match but failed to score for the first time in 10 consecutive World Cup matches. His record of 21 goals at World Cups, however, remains untouchable. Argentina have reached their sixth consecutive World Cup semi-final and are bidding to become the first team since 1962 to defend the world title.
England – Norway 2:1 (a.e.t.): Bellingham's brace
The first quarter-final of the night — Norway vs England (kick-off at 00:00 Kyiv time) — also went to extra time. Jude Bellingham scored twice to bring his tally for the tournament to six goals. Tuchel admitted after the match that he was not satisfied with his team's performance despite the progression to the semi-finals. More on that match in the article "Norway – England and Argentina – Switzerland: two quarter-finals tonight".
2026 World Cup match schedule in Kyiv time: semi-finals
Following all four quarter-finals, the semi-final line-up is as follows:
- 14 July, 22:00 Kyiv time — France vs Spain (AT&T Stadium, Dallas)
- 16 July, 01:00 Kyiv time — England vs Argentina (Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta)
This is the first World Cup in history where all four semi-final spots have been taken by teams that were in the top 4 of the FIFA rankings at the start of the tournament: France (No. 1), Argentina (No. 2), Spain (No. 3) and England (No. 4). The England–Argentina match will be the first official meeting between these two sides in 24 years.
Tournament statistics and records
The 2026 World Cup is the first tournament with 48 participants and 104 matches on the schedule. Argentina are the reigning champions, having beaten France on penalties in the 2022 World Cup final. Now the Albiceleste are once again one step from the final, and a potential rematch with France could come as early as 19 July in East Rutherford.
There are no 2026 World Cup matches tonight — the tournament takes a break before the semi-finals. A detailed preview of France–Spain and England–Argentina will be published in the preview section at 18:45.
Photo: Dan Long · Editorial (source)
