Bellingham,Messi, and Álvarez Write History in Quarterfinal Thrillers

​The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached a fever pitch as the quarterfinal stage concluded with two breathtaking matches decided in extra time. England and Argentina have secured their places in the semifinals, with individual stars etching their names into the tournament’s history books.

​Extra-Time Drama Grips the Quarterfinals

​England kept their dreams of glory alive after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Norway. The match, defined by tactical intensity, saw Jude Bellingham deliver another masterclass. Argentina, meanwhile, overcame a resilient Switzerland side in a 3-1 result, with late goals in the extended period ensuring their progression to a high-stakes semifinal clash against England on July 15.

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​History in the Making

​The knockout rounds have provided a stage for individual brilliance, resulting in several historic milestones:

• ​Jude Bellingham (England): At 23 years and 12 days old, Bellingham became the second-youngest player in history to score two or more goals in successive World Cup knockout matches. His brace against Norway, following his performance against Mexico in the Round of 16, places him in elite company alongside Pelé, who achieved the feat as a 17-year-old in 1958.
• ​Lionel Messi (Argentina): With his continued dominance in the 2026 campaign, Messi has reached 21 career World Cup goals. His production in this tournament—tallying eight goals so far—has firmly established him as a frontrunner in the Golden Boot race, currently locked in a historic tie with Kylian Mbappé.
• ​Julián Álvarez (Argentina): Álvarez proved his worth as a critical offensive weapon for Argentina, netting a goal in the quarterfinal victory over Switzerland. His contribution continues a stellar run of form for the young forward, who remains a central figure in Argentina’s pursuit of the trophy.

​As the tournament moves toward the semifinals, all eyes turn to Arlington, Texas, where the showdown between England and Argentina promises to be a defining moment of the 2026 World Cup.