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Reports, analysis and guides from our coverage
The 2026 World Cup venues: 16 stadiums in three countries
For the first time, a World Cup is spread across three countries: 11 venues in the United States, 3 in Mexico and 2 in Canada. The final will be played at MetLife Stadium.
The 2026 World Cup semi-finals are set: France-Spain and England-Argentina, four giants for two tickets to the final
The 2026 World Cup has its four semi-finalists, and no outsider has survived: France, Spain, England and Argentina, four of the biggest powers in world football, will fight for a place in the final. On Tuesday 14 July, the European champions (Spain) face the world runners-up (France) in a rematch of the Euro 2024 semi-final. On Wednesday 15, England and Argentina revive one of the fiercest rivalries in World Cup history, with the reigning champions and Lionel Messi standing in the way. The final will be played on 19 July at New York's MetLife Stadium. We review how each side got here and what chance they have of lifting the trophy.
Argentina break Swiss resistance in extra time (3-1) and will face England in the semi-finals
Argentina are in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals. At Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium, the world champions saw off a stubborn Switzerland (3-1) after extra time. Alexis Mac Allister put Scaloni's side ahead early (10', assisted by Messi), but Dan Ndoye equalised for Switzerland on 67'. The game turned five minutes later: Breel Embolo picked up a second yellow (72') and left his side with ten men. A man up, Argentina pushed and settled it in extra time through Julián Álvarez (112') and Lautaro Martínez (120'). A magnificent Leo Messi, man of the match (8.9), once again set the tone for an Albiceleste who were vastly superior (59% possession, 22 shots and 1.98 expected goals to 0.53). England, who had knocked out Norway, await in the semi-finals.
Bellingham, double hero in extra time: England edge Norway (2-1) to reach the semi-finals
England are in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals, and they are there thanks to Jude Bellingham. At Miami's Hard Rock Stadium, Thomas Tuchel's side beat Norway (2-1) after extra time in a brutal contest. Andreas Schjelderup put the Scandinavians ahead on 36' (assisted by Ødegaard), but Bellingham levelled on the stroke of half-time (45', assisted by Gordon) and struck the decisive goal on 93', already in extra time. England were slightly the better side —53% possession, eight shots on target to four and 1.09 expected goals to 0.77— but needed a colossal Bellingham, named man of the match (8.5). Norway, with Haaland starting, bow out with their heads high and a superb Nyland in goal. In the semi-finals England await their opponent: the winner of Argentina-Switzerland, played on Sunday.
Legendary referees: Collina and the men in black who defined an era
From Jack Taylor, who awarded two penalties in the 1974 final, to Pierluigi Collina's stare: referees are part of World Cup history too.
The most iconic World Cup shirts
Brazil's yellow was born of a trauma, the Dutch Orange defined an era and Croatia's checkerboard is unmistakable. The story of the kits that became legend.