​England have reached the World Cup semi-finals for only the fourth time in their history after a dramatic quarter-final victory over Norway in Miami, where Jude Bellingham struck twice to overturn an early strike from Andreas Schjelderup. Although England were not at their absolute best, they perservered when it mattered most and booked their place in the last four, keeping alive the hope of lifting the trophy at the end of a demanding campaign.
With that in mind, here is everything you need to know about England’s path to the 2026 World Cup semi-finals. The Three Lions will return to Atlanta, the site of their round-of-32 comeback win against DR Congo, sealed by two late goals from Harry Kane. On Wednesday, July 15, they will face either Switzerland or Argentina at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm local time, which is 8pm BST.
This is a massive match for England, especially if familiar rivals Argentina also reach the final four. France and Spain are the other two semi-finalists, and their clash will take place in Dallas on Tuesday, July 14. The tournament culminates with the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday, July 19, with a 3pm local start time, meaning another 8pm BST kickoff for fans in England.
England are chasing their first World Cup title since their triumph in 1966, having not appeared in the final since 1966 itself. They endured a heartbreakingly close miss in 1990 and again in 2018, when a semi-final exit in Italy and Russia respectively denied them a shot at glory. The mood around the squad is buoyant, particularly with Bellingham emerging as a genuine world-class contender who could rival the sport’s greatest players for the title of Player of the Tournament. His form has injected a thrilling sense of possibility into England’s campaign, and there is a growing belief among supporters that anything can happen in this stage when a single moment from a standout performer can reshape a match.
There is a tangible sense of anticipation around a squad that can call on players capable of decisive moments. While their odds may not place them as favourites, the reality of knockout football at a World Cup means that outcomes can hinge on a single act, and Bellingham’s ability to influence games gives England a real platform to push deeper into the tournament.
The broader context of England’s journey so far has been one of resilience and important contributions across the squad. As they prepare for another high-stakes test in Atlanta, the football world will be watching closely to see whether they can translate moments of brilliance in key matches into a broader run that could culminate in a first World Cup triumph in six decades. The stage is set for what could be an unforgettable chapter in England’s World Cup history, with the semi-finals offering a gateway to an opportunity that once felt distant but now seems within reach for a side led by a rising generation of talent.
Readers may also be following other notable developments off the pitch, including discussions about declines in certain refereeing decisions and the evolving rules that shape how goals are awarded in this edition of the tournament. The spotlight remains on the players, with Bellingham’s potential to redefine his standing among the world’s elite a talking point across footballing circles following his two-goal display against Norway.