Bellingham and Álvarez fire England and Argentina into a stacked semi-final line-up
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England reached the semi-finals with a 2-1 extra-time win over Norway, Jude Bellingham scoring both goals after Andreas Schjelderup had put the underdogs ahead. According to ESPN, Anthony Gordon set up Bellingham's late equaliser before the midfielder pounced on a goalkeeping error early in extra time, ending Norway's run and Erling Haaland's 14-match scoring streak.
Argentina joined them after a 3-1 extra-time win over Switzerland in Kansas City, Julián Álvarez curling in the decisive goal before Lautaro Martínez added a third. Per ESPN, Alexis Mac Allister had headed Argentina ahead from a Lionel Messi corner, Dan Ndoye equalised, and Switzerland played more than 50 minutes a man down after Breel Embolo's second booking for simulation.
The results completed the last four: Spain face France on July 14 and Argentina meet England on July 15, according to Olympics.com, setting up a heavyweight finish.
Transfer and squad notes
Bellingham has become England's knockout talisman, following his brace against Mexico in the round of 16 with another decisive double against Norway, per the Football Association — the kind of form Thomas Tuchel's side have leaned on in tight games.
The scoring records tightened at the top, with ESPN reporting Kylian Mbappé having moved ahead of Messi in the individual charts, while Haaland's exit ends a prolific run that had carried Norway and made him one of the tournament's defining figures.
What it means for the league
The semi-finals bring together four of the game's biggest names after a knockout phase that eliminated Brazil, Germany, the Netherlands and the co-hosts. Argentina against England revives one of football's most storied rivalries, while Spain against France pits Lamine Yamal against Mbappé in a clash of present and emerging stars. With the field down to four, the tournament moves toward a final on July 19.