Can Messi's Argentina prevent an all-European World Cup semifinal?

Spain booked a mouthwatering FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal against France after edging Belgium 2-1 in a dramatic quarterfinal on Saturday, leaving Sunday's remaining last-eight ties to determine whether Europe will complete a clean sweep of the final four or if defending champions Argentina can keep South America's hopes alive.

Argentina face Switzerland at 7:00am Bangladesh time after England take on Norway at 3:00am, with the winners completing the semifinal line-up.

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Spain head into Tuesday's showdown in Dallas with momentum firmly on their side after overcoming Belgium through a late winner from Mikel Merino. The midfielder pounced in the 88th minute after Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilled a shot, sealing a hard-fought victory that underlined Spain's resilience.

That defensive solidity will now be tested by France's formidable attacking trio of Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise.

The meeting also carries recent history. Spain have beaten France in each of their last two encounters, including a 2-1 victory in the UEFA Euro 2024 semifinals and a thrilling 5-4 triumph in the 2025 UEFA Nations League final. France, however, are chasing a place in a third consecutive World Cup final, adding another layer of intrigue to what promises to be one of the tournament's standout contests.

"This is a final before the final," De la Fuente said after Spain's victory, acknowledging the quality both sides possess.

The spotlight now shifts to Miami, where defending champions Argentina will attempt to keep South America's hopes alive against a Switzerland side sensing the chance to spring another upset.

Lionel Scaloni's men swept through the group stage but have looked increasingly vulnerable in the knockout rounds, needing extra time to overcome World Cup debutants Cape Verde before staging a dramatic comeback against Egypt.

Much of Argentina's hopes continue to rest on the shoulders of Lionel Messi. The 39-year-old has remained inspirational, scoring in every match and extending his World Cup tally to a record 21 goals despite admitting fatigue after successive demanding contests.

Switzerland, marshalled by captain Granit Xhaka and buoyed by a disciplined collective approach, believe Argentina are far from invincible.

"We're up against the defending champions, but we've realised Argentina are not invincible," Swiss coach Murat Yakin said.

Earlier on Sunday, England and Norway meet in the day's first quarterfinal in a contest featuring two of world football's most prolific strikers.

England captain Harry Kane has once again led from the front, scoring six goals as the Three Lions fought past Mexico 3-2 in a dramatic last-16 clash despite playing with 10 men. Norway, meanwhile, have emerged as one of the tournament's biggest surprises, with Erling Haaland's seven goals inspiring the Scandinavian nation to a historic first World Cup quarterfinal after eliminating Brazil.

The duel between Kane and Haaland has naturally captured the spotlight, although both players have been quick to downplay individual comparisons.

"I see myself as a different player," Kane said. "I respect him a lot as a player and as a professional."

Norway coach Stale Solbakken readily accepted his side's underdog status but insisted they would embrace the occasion.

"If we are not at our very, very best, England will go through," he said.

England have received a timely boost with Declan Rice, Marc Guehi and Reece James returning to training, although defender Jarell Quansah will miss the match through suspension.

With Europe already guaranteed three semifinalists, Sunday's action will determine whether Argentina can keep South America's challenge alive or if England and Norway will complete an all-European World Cup semifinal line-up.