Argentina's star player Lionel Messi celebrated after winning the 2026 World Cup round of 16 match against Egypt at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta on July 7, 2026.
England will go head-to-head with Norway in a World Cup quarter-final in Miami on Saturday. This match features Harry Kane facing off against Erling Haaland in an exciting showdown of top strikers.
The winners will meet either the defending champions Argentina or the surprising Switzerland in the semi-finals.
Kane has once again been England’s standout player, leading his team to a tough 3-2 win over Mexico at Estadio Azteca. This victory came even after England played with ten men.
The Bayern Munich striker has netted six goals, helping the Three Lions reach the quarter-finals.
Haaland has been enjoying his time in the United States, scoring seven goals that have taken Norway further than ever before. Their journey included a shocking win over Brazil.
Norwegian fans have brought their joyful rowing celebration to stadiums across the US, making them feel like giant Viking ships.
“Every game has been the most important for Norwegian football, especially in the knockout rounds. So this is the third time it is the most important game,” said Norway coach Stale Solbakken on Friday.
Kane called 25-year-old Haaland “a beast,” but he believes they play differently.
“I see myself as a different player, although I score the same goals,” the England captain, 32, said on Friday.
“I like to touch the ball a little bit more and be involved in the play, but I can also play as the out-and-out number nine.
“I don’t think it’s right to compare us. I respect him a lot as a player and a professional. Of course, I hope he has a quiet day tomorrow, but his overall performance is very good.”
England got a boost on Friday with the return to training of key players Declan Rice, Marc Guehi, and Reece James, who had been struggling with illness and injuries.
Coach Thomas Tuchel called their return “the best news” and added, “We took a big step in our last match, but it was only a step. The next step is to win a quarter-final. We need to focus on what is ahead.”
The match at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium is expected to be hot, with temperatures predicted to hit over 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).
Is fatigue setting in?
Argentina started their quest to be the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups smoothly. But since entering the knockout stage, they have shown some weaknesses.
They were pushed hard by World Cup newcomers Cape Verde and then Egypt.
Lionel Messi, who turned 39 during the group stage, has been crucial for Argentina, often bailing his team out of tough situations.
But there are hints that Switzerland, a well-organized team led by strong defender Granit Xhaka, could take advantage of any tiredness and give Argentina trouble at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
“They have very experienced players. They are strong. So it will be a tough opponent, that is for sure,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said on Friday.
Messi hopes to add to his record of 21 goals across the six World Cups he has played in.
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