Saturday is the last day of the quarterfinals, and it kind of feels like the real tournament starts now. France and Spain already punched their tickets to Dallas. So the semifinal picture in Atlanta on July 15 is down to two games: Norway vs. England, then Argentina vs. Switzerland. That second one especially looks like a trap game for Messi and company.
Here is what you need to know for July 11.
The Matchups That Matter
Norway vs. England — Miami, 5 p.m. ET (FOX, Telemundo)
Odds to advance: Norway +170, England -210
Argentina vs. Switzerland — Kansas City, 9 p.m. ET (FOX, Telemundo)
Odds to advance: Argentina -310, Switzerland +240
England’s Chemistry vs. Norway’s Familiarity
England hasn’t been this cohesive in years. Not necessarily the most talented squad they’ve ever rolled out, but Thomas Tuchel has them playing like they actually like each other. Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are the main men, but the supporting cast is clicking in a way that feels different from previous tournaments. Remember 2018? Lost to Croatia in the semis. This group might not be flashier, but they’re steadier.
Norway knows these guys. John Stones, Marc Guehi, Nico O’Reilly and James Trafford share a Manchester City locker room with Erling Haaland. Declan Rice, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka play with Martin Odegaard at Arsenal. So this isn’t just a chess match between two national teams. It’s a reunion. Those Premier League guys know exactly what Haaland and Odegaard can do. And the Norwegians know the English players’ tendencies too. That could cut both ways.
Can Haaland Carry This Thing Himself?
Erling Haaland has been the breakout star of this World Cup for casual fans who don’t watch the Premier League every weekend. Big guy, blond ponytail, scores goals like he’s playing FIFA on easy mode. Norway already exceeded expectations just getting this far, so they’re playing with house money. That freedom can be dangerous for opponents.
But let’s be real. This team goes as far as Haaland takes them. He was born in England, grew up there, and now he’s trying to knock his birth country out of the World Cup. That’s a storyline Hollywood couldn’t write better. The question is whether one guy, even a guy this good, can drag Norway past a deeper England squad.
Argentina Looks Vulnerable. That Should Scare Everyone.
Argentina needed extra time against tiny Cape Verde. They needed a chalked-off goal and a furious comeback against Egypt. Messi is still doing Messi things, but the rest of the team? Shaky. Luis Scaloni doesn’t seem to know where the next goal comes from if it’s not off Messi’s foot. And Egypt’s speed exposed real problems in Argentina’s back line. Emiliano Martinez has looked ordinary at times.
The bracket gave Argentina the easiest path to the semis from day one. That path got even easier when Switzerland upset Colombia. But with the way this team is playing, nothing feels safe. Then again, if Argentina really is playing down to weaker competition, that means they might actually show up against a tougher opponent. Or it means they’re living on borrowed time. We’ll find out Saturday night.
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