England and Argentina Reach World Cup 2026 Semi-Finals

Al Jazeera sports correspondent Basel Ghazoghli delivers the day‑31 recap of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, announcing that England and Argentina have secured spots in the tournament’s semi‑finals. In the group stage, England edged past the Netherlands 2‑1 in a tightly contested match that saw a late goal from Harry Kane to seal the victory. Argentina advanced after a 3‑2 win over France, with Lionel Messi scoring twice and the Argentine side showing a disciplined defensive performance.

The reports highlight the tactical adjustments made by both teams. England’s coach emphasized a high‑press strategy that disrupted the Dutch attack, while Argentina’s manager focused on a counter‑attack system that exploited the French midfield’s vulnerabilities. Both victories set the stage for the semi‑final matchups, where England will face the winner of the United States‑Canada clash, and Argentina will play the victor of the Brazil‑Mexico game. The tournament’s narrative continues to evolve as the top teams battle for a place in the final.