FIFA World Cup 2026 Today: Norway vs England & Argentina vs Switzerland – Match Preview, Predictions, Lineups & Live Updates

Today's FIFA World Cup 2026 Matches

The FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals continue today with two blockbuster fixtures. Norway vs England and Argentina vs Switzerland promise world-class football action. Both matches will determine who advances to the semi-finals of the biggest sporting event on the planet.

Today's fixtures are among the most anticipated of the entire tournament. Norway, led by Erling Haaland, face a massive test against England's star-studded squad. Meanwhile, defending champions Argentina, with Lionel Messi pulling the strings, take on a resilient Switzerland side.

Norway vs England Preview

Kickoff: July 12, 2026 — 2:45 AM GMT (July 11, 10:45 PM ET)

This is the match the world has been waiting for. Norway's first World Cup since 1998 has been a fairytale, powered by Erling Haaland's incredible goal-scoring form. But England stand in their way with a squad packed with Premier League talent.

Norway's Journey to the Quarter-Finals

Norway topped Group D with an impressive record, winning two matches and drawing one. Haaland scored four goals in the group stage, including a stunning hat-trick against Senegal. In the Round of 16, Norway defeated Japan 2-1 in extra time, with Haaland scoring the winner in the 118th minute.

Key Stats:

• Goals scored: 9 (3rd highest in tournament)
• Goals conceded: 3
• Haaland goals: 4 (tied for Golden Boot lead)
• Clean sheets: 2

England's Road to the Quarter-Finals

England finished second in Group C, behind Brazil. They bounced back in the Round of 16 with a commanding 3-0 victory over Colombia. Jude Bellingham scored twice, and Bukayo Saka added a third. England's defense has been rock-solid, conceding just one goal in four matches.

Key Stats:

• Goals scored: 8
• Goals conceded: 1 (best defensive record)
• Bellingham goals: 3
• Clean sheets: 3

Head-to-Head Record

England and Norway have met 12 times in competitive football. England lead the head-to-head with 7 wins, Norway have 3 wins, and there have been 2 draws. However, their last competitive meeting was at Euro 2020, where England won 1-0.

Players to Watch

Norway — Erling Haaland: The Manchester City striker is the tournament's most feared attacker. His pace, power, and clinical finishing make him unstoppable. Haaland has scored in every Norway match except one.

England — Jude Bellingham: The Real Madrid midfielder has been England's best player. His ability to score from midfield, drive forward, and control tempo makes him the complete package.

England — Harry Kane: The captain and all-time top scorer. Kane's movement, link-up play, and finishing remain world-class.

Norway — Martin Odegaard: The Arsenal playmaker is Norway's creative hub. His passing range and vision can unlock any defense.

Predicted Lineups

Norway (4-3-3):

Nyland; Ryerson, Strandberg, Nordtveit, Meling; Odegaard, Berge, Daoud; Sorloth, Haaland, Molde

England (4-2-3-1):

Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier; Rice, Bellingham; Saka, Foden, Gordon; Kane

Match Prediction

This is an incredibly tight match to call. England's defensive solidity gives them a slight edge, but Haaland's ability to score from nothing makes Norway dangerous. We predict a tight 2-1 victory for England, with Haaland scoring for Norway and Bellingham and Kane scoring for England.

Argentina vs Switzerland Preview

Kickoff: July 12, 2026 — 6:45 AM GMT (July 12, 2:45 AM ET)

Defending champions Argentina take on Switzerland in the second quarter-final. Argentina have been the tournament's most impressive team, with Lionel Messi rolling back the years. Switzerland, however, are no pushovers — they reached the quarter-finals by defeating holders France in the Round of 16.

Argentina's Dominant Run

Argentina won all four matches at the 2026 World Cup, scoring 11 goals and conceding just 2. Messi has been extraordinary, with 5 goals and 3 assists. Julian Alvarez has also been superb, scoring 4 goals. Argentina's midfield, anchored by Enzo Fernandez, has controlled every match.

Key Stats:

• Goals scored: 11 (highest in tournament)
• Goals conceded: 2
• Messi goals: 5 (Golden Boot leader)
• Possession average: 62%

Switzerland's Giant-Killing Act

Switzerland shocked the world by defeating France 1-0 in the Round of 16. Xherdan Shaqiri scored the only goal, while Yann Sommer made 8 saves. Switzerland finished second in Group G behind Brazil, and their defensive organization has been impressive throughout.

Key Stats:

• Goals scored: 5
• Goals conceded: 3
• Clean sheets: 2
• Sommer saves: 24 (most in tournament)

Head-to-Head Record

Argentina and Switzerland have met 11 times. Argentina lead with 7 wins, Switzerland have 2 wins, and there have been 2 draws. Their most recent meeting was at the 2018 World Cup, where Argentina won 2-1 in the group stage.

Players to Watch

Argentina — Lionel Messi: At 39, Messi is still the best player in the world. His dribbling, vision, and finishing remain unmatched. This could be his last World Cup — and he wants to go out as a champion.

Argentina — Julian Alvarez: The young striker has been sensational. His movement, pressing, and finishing make him the perfect partner for Messi.

Switzerland — Yann Sommer: The goalkeeper has been the tournament's best. His shot-stopping ability and command of the box make Switzerland difficult to break down.

Switzerland — Granit Xhaka: The midfielder's leadership and passing range are crucial to Switzerland's game plan.

Predicted Lineups

Argentina (4-3-3):

Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuna; Fernandez, Mac Allister, De Paul; Messi, Alvarez, Di Maria

Switzerland (3-5-2):

Sommer; Widmer, Akanji, Elvedi; Ndicka, Freuler, Xhaka, Rodriguez; Shaqiri; Embolo, Vargas

Match Prediction

Argentina are the favorites and rightfully so. Messi's brilliance and Argentina's squad depth should be too much for Switzerland. We predict a 3-1 victory for Argentina, with Messi scoring twice and Alvarez adding another.

Kickoff Times

| Match | Time (GMT) | Time (ET) | Time (PT) | Time (IST) |

|-------|-----------|-----------|-----------|------------|

| Norway vs England | 2:45 AM | 10:45 PM (Jul 11) | 7:45 PM (Jul 11) | 8:15 AM |

| Argentina vs Switzerland | 6:45 AM | 2:45 AM | 11:45 PM (Jul 11) | 12:15 PM |

How to Watch Live

Watch both quarter-final matches live and free on OpenTV:

• Norway vs England — [Watch Live](/channel/faotv-7b9ce99572ec7d1e?category=fao) on TRT 1
• Argentina vs Switzerland — [Watch Live](/channel/faotv-cf3d3b3d6d991336?category=fao) on Telemundo HD

OpenTV offers free HD streaming of all FIFA World Cup 2026 matches. No signup, no payment, no cable required. Works on all devices — phone, tablet, laptop, smart TV.

Latest World Cup News

• Semi-final lineup taking shape: Winners of today's matches will face each other in the semi-finals
• Golden Boot race: Messi (5), Haaland (4), Bellingham (3) lead the scoring charts
• VAR updates: New semi-automated offside technology continues to impress
• Ticket sales: Semi-final tickets selling fast — check official FIFA channels

Frequently Asked Questions

Who plays today in the FIFA World Cup 2026?

Today's FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final matches are Norway vs England and Argentina vs Switzerland. Both matches determine who advances to the semi-finals.

What time is Norway vs England?

Norway vs England kicks off at 2:45 AM GMT on July 12, 2026 (10:45 PM ET on July 11). Watch live on OpenTV.

What time is Argentina vs Switzerland?

Argentina vs Switzerland kicks off at 6:45 AM GMT on July 12, 2026 (2:45 AM ET). Watch live on OpenTV.

Where can I watch FIFA World Cup 2026 live?

Watch all FIFA World Cup 2026 matches live and free on OpenTV. No signup required. Also available on Fox, Telemundo, BBC, ITV, and other broadcasters depending on your country.

Who is predicted to win today?

England are slight favorites against Norway (predicted 2-1). Argentina are strong favorites against Switzerland (predicted 3-1). However, Haaland and Switzerland's defensive organization could cause upsets.

Who has scored the most goals so far?

Lionel Messi leads the Golden Boot race with 5 goals. Erling Haaland has 4 goals, and Jude Bellingham has 3 goals. Argentina have scored the most team goals with 11.