England go play Argentina for Wednesday, July 15, for Atlanta Stadium. The winner go face Spain for World Cup final for New York/New Jersey Stadium. Spain don beat France 2-0 for first semifinal to book dia place.
England start tournament well by beating Croatia 4-2. But after that, dem draw with Ghana and win Panama for group wey no too sweet. The Three Lions then get big scare against DR Congo for round of 32. Dem need late comeback with two goals from Harry Kane to win 2-1.
From there, Jude Bellingham show two wonderful performances. He score two goals each against Mexico for round of 16 and Norway for quarterfinals. The extra-time winner against Norway push England go semifinal.
Argentina also start strong by winning all three group matches. But dia knockout road no easy. The defending champion need extra time to beat Cape Verde 3-2 for round of 32. Then Argentina fall 2-0 behind against Egypt and score three goals from 79th minute to complete 3-2 comeback.
For quarterfinals, Argentina squeeze past Switzerland 3-1 after extra time. Alexis Mac Allister give Argentina early lead before Switzerland equalize. But the game change when Breel Embolo collect red card for 72nd minute. Julián Álvarez score go-ahead goal for 112th minute, and Lautaro Martínez add late insurance goal.
Lionel Messi remain key for everything Argentina do. He don score eight goals for six matches for this World Cup.
Moroccan-born American referee Ismail Elfath go be head official for the semifinal for home soil for United States. This be Elfath second World Cup after he officiate for 2022 tournament. E go be im fourth assignment for 2026 World Cup after refereeing Netherlands vs Japan 2-2 draw, Spain 1-0 win over Uruguay, and Norway 2-1 round of 16 victory over Brazil.
The semifinal go be the highest-level World Cup match wey Elfath don officiate as center referee. Messi get positive history with Elfath. The American serve as fourth official for Argentina victory over France for 2022 World Cup final. Since Messi join Inter Miami for 2023, e don win all four matches wey Elfath be referee.
Fellow Americans Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins go serve as Elfath assistants. Italy own Maurizio Mariani go be fourth official.
