The World Cup semi-final lineup is set, but the build-up to England's clash with Argentina has been overshadowed by a rules controversy that has enraged fans. Lautaro Martinez scored Argentina's third goal in their 3-1 extra-time win over 10-man Switzerland to seal a last-four berth, then vaulted the perimeter fence to celebrate with supporters. The Inter Milan striker was already on a yellow card, and under IFAB and FIFA laws, climbing onto a perimeter fence and approaching spectators in a manner that causes safety or security issues is a cautionable offence. Fans on social media and Reddit demanded a second yellow card and suspension for the England game, but the referee and VAR did not act.
Meanwhile, France and Spain will meet in the other semi-final at Dallas Stadium on Tuesday at 20:00 BST. Kylian Mbappe continued his torrid form with his eighth goal of the tournament in France's 2-0 quarter-final win over Morocco, moving him one behind Lionel Messi in the race for all-time World Cup top scorer. Ousmane Dembele has five goals, and Michael Olise leads the competition with five assists. Spain, unbeaten in 36 matches since a March 2024 loss to Colombia, needed late heroics from substitute Mikel Merino to edge past Portugal and Belgium. Lamine Yamal, who turns 19 on the eve of the tie, has only one goal so far, and Mikel Oyarzabal has gone two matches without a goal.
“Fans demand FIFA suspend Lautaro Martinez for celebration breach before England semi-final”
Argentina's victory over Switzerland was sealed by Julian Alvarez's 112th-minute strike before Martinez added the third in added time. The celebration breach has sparked calls for FIFA to suspend Martinez, with one fan posting: 'Lautaro Martinez was already on a yellow card when he scored. Despite that he crossed the barrier … this is a yellow card offence which would've ruled him out against England.' Another noted that Breel Embolo received a second yellow for diving, arguing consistency. The semi-final between England and Argentina is set to be the first ever meeting between Lionel Messi and the Three Lions, but the focus remains on whether Martinez will face punishment.