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Battle for Semi-Final Spots Intensifies in 2026 World Cup Quarter-Finals

Miami: Football fans will be glued to their screens this Saturday for the final two quarter-final matches of the 2026 World Cup, as the battle continues for the last two spots in the semi-finals. With Spain and France already secured their places, the remaining two spots are up for grabs among four teams with the ambition and potential to keep their World Cup dreams alive.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the first highly anticipated match pits England against Norway at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami at midnight tonight, promising a high-scoring affair. All eyes will be on the individual duel between Norway's Erling Haaland, who has scored seven goals in the tournament, and England's captain Harry Kane, who has netted six and is enjoying one of his best periods with the Three Lions. England is aiming for its second consecutive semi-final appearance, while Norway dreams of achieving its greatest ever World Cup result. The match could also see the race for the Golden Boot continue, especially as Haaland closes in on Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbapp©, who currently lead the scoring charts with eight goals each.

The second match is no less exciting, as Argentina clashes with Switzerland at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City at 4:00 AM tomorrow. "La Albiceleste" enters the match with high morale after their thrilling comeback against Egypt in the Round of 16, when they overturned a two-goal deficit to win 3-2. Lionel Messi was the hero of the comeback, scoring one goal and assisting another. Messi is currently tied with Kylian Mbapp© as the tournament's top scorer with eight goals, bringing his World Cup tally to 20. He needs just one more goal to further cement his place in history and aims to lead Argentina to the semifinals for the second consecutive time. Meanwhile, the Swiss team relies on its defensive solidity and tactical discipline, having proven in previous rounds its ability to compete with top teams.