Lionel Messi added another landmark to his career as Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1 after extra time to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals, while Julián Álvarez and England midfielder Jude Bellingham also achieved notable tournament milestones.
Argentina advanced after goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez. England completed the semifinal lineup with a 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway, setting up a high-profile clash with the defending champions.
France and Spain will meet in the other semifinal. For the first time since the FIFA rankings were introduced in 1992, the four highest-ranked teams have all reached the last four of a World Cup.
Messi Breaks World Cup Assist Record
Messi created Argentina’s opening goal against Switzerland by delivering a corner that Mac Allister converted in the first half.
The assist took Messi’s career total at the World Cup to 10, placing him ahead of Diego Maradona’s eight assists in records tracked since 1966. It was also Messi’s first World Cup assist directly from a corner.
The Argentina captain has now provided assists across more World Cup editions than any other player and continues to extend several long-standing tournament records. FIFA had already listed him as the only player to record an assist at five different World Cups before the latest tournament.
Messi remains level with France forward Kylian Mbappé on eight goals at the 2026 tournament following the quarterfinals.
Álvarez Matches Maradona Milestone
Álvarez struck from long range in the 112th minute to restore Argentina’s lead before Martínez completed the scoring late in extra time.
Four of Álvarez’s five career World Cup goals have come in knockout matches, drawing him level with Maradona’s knockout-stage total for Argentina. Messi remains ahead of both players with seven knockout-round goals.
Argentina have now scored at least three goals in four consecutive matches, matching the longest such run in World Cup history. The defending champions have also scored three times from corners during the tournament, placing them among the leading teams from set pieces.
Bellingham Leads England Into Last Four
Bellingham played the decisive role in England’s quarterfinal victory, scoring both goals in the 2-1 extra-time win over Norway.
His performance added to an impressive World Cup record at a young age and placed him among a small group of players, led historically by Pelé, to deliver repeatedly in the tournament’s knockout rounds before reaching their mid-20s.
The two quarterfinals on Saturday both required extra time, continuing a tournament trend. Eight knockout matches at the 2026 World Cup have now gone beyond 90 minutes, equalling the record set in 1990 and 2014.
Argentina will face England in the semifinal, while France will take on Spain for the other place in the July 19 final.
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