England and Argentina are both one win away from a blockbuster semi-final meeting at the 2026 World Cup, after each produced dramatic knockout victories. For England, a stunning 3-2 win over Mexico in the Azteca Stadium has convinced former striker Alan Shearer the Three Lions can end their 60-year wait for a major tournament. Argentina, meanwhile, pulled off a scarcely believable second-half comeback to break Egypt's hearts and reach the last eight.
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, reached its quarter-final stage this week. England face Norway, who are led by Erling Haaland, while Argentina take on Switzerland. The winners of those two ties will meet in the semi-finals. England's journey has been dramatic: after a group stage that posed questions, Thomas Tuchel's side produced what Shearer called "the best team performance I've seen from any England side in my lifetime" to beat Mexico 3-2 at altitude in Mexico City. Harry Kane scored twice in the second half, following Jude Bellingham's brace, to overturn a deficit against the co-hosts. Argentina's path was even more nerve-shredding: they were two goals down against Egypt before mounting an astonishing second-half revival to win 3-2 and progress.
“England and Argentina's World Cup 2026 quarter-final paths explained, with Alan Shearer's new belief and dramatic comebacks.”
For UK readers, the prospect of England winning the World Cup for the first time since 1966 has never felt more real. Shearer, writing for the BBC, confessed he had changed his mind: "We might actually be able to win this thing. From the fans to the players, that's what everyone must be thinking after England's epic win over Mexico - I know I am - when I genuinely didn't feel that was the case before the game." He added that the win "pushed us all further forward and given everyone, including me, confidence and belief too." Tuchel's tactical intelligence has been credited with giving England an edge, with Shearer noting his "IQ" as a key factor. England's reliance on Kane (in contention for his second World Cup Golden Boot after 2018) and Bellingham has been vindicated. The quarter-final against Norway will test their mettle against a team featuring Haaland, while Argentina's clash with Switzerland could be tight.
Q: Who are England playing in the World Cup 2026 quarter-final? England face Norway this weekend. The match pits Thomas Tuchel's side against Erling Haaland's Norway, who have impressed in the tournament. The winner will meet either Argentina or Switzerland in the semi-finals.
Q: Who are Argentina playing in the quarter-final? Argentina take on Switzerland in their quarter-final. One Argentine defender was sent for scans after the dramatic win over Egypt, but the squad is expected to be fit. Switzerland reached the last eight after a solid group stage.
Q: How did England and Argentina reach the quarter-finals? England beat co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in the round of 16, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice and Harry Kane adding a brace in the second half. Argentina required a late comeback to defeat Egypt 3-2, having been two goals down at half-time.
What happens next: England face Norway in the quarter-final this weekend, with kick-off details to be confirmed. Argentina play Switzerland in the other quarter-final. If both win, they will meet in the semi-finals for a place in the 2026 World Cup final. Shearer has declared that England's performance against Mexico was the best he has seen, and the nation now dares to believe.