World Cup 2026: Argentina advances, Haaland vs. Kane looms, Spain eyes France

Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, has reached the World Cup 2026 quarterfinals. The team secured their spot after a dramatic comeback victory against Egypt in the round of 16, having previously advanced past Cape Verde in extra time. They are set to face Switzerland, who eliminated Colombia in a penalty shootout.

"As long as Messi wants to be the best, he will be. I can't imagine what it was like at 23-24 years old, at Barcelona. I think he will be the best as long as he has the desire," said Lionel Scaloni, Argentina's coach, on Messi's continued impact.

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As long as Messi wants to be the best, he will be. I can't imagine what it was like at 23-24 years old, at Barcelona. I think he will be the best as long as he has the desire.

The quarterfinals will also pit two prolific strikers against each other: Norway's Erling Haaland and England's Harry Kane. Haaland has scored seven goals in his World Cup debut, challenging Kane, England's top scorer and the season's leading marksman. Despite Norway having eliminated Brazil in the previous round with two goals from Haaland, Thomas Tuchel's England is considered the favorite.

Harry Kane acknowledged their different playing styles, stating, "I think we are completely different players. I know we are both center forwards, but we play in almost different positions. Erling is physically a machine, he's a beast. His finishing is at the highest level and, obviously, his goal record speaks for itself."

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I think we are completely different players. I know we are both center forwards, but we play in almost different positions. Erling is physically a machine, he's a beast. His finishing is at the highest level and, obviously, his goal record speaks for itself.

Meanwhile, Spain's Lamine Yamal declared, "If anyone France has to fear, it's us," as his team prepares for a semifinal clash against France. Spain, after a narrow 2-1 quarterfinal victory over Belgium, is confident despite acknowledging France's strength, particularly Kylian Mbappé. Spain has a recent history of success against France, winning the 2025 Nations League semifinal and Euro 2024. The match is scheduled for Tuesday in Dallas.

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If anyone France has to fear, it's us.

Spain's Merino, who scored the decisive goal in the 88th minute against Belgium after coming on as a substitute, expressed his disbelief and confidence: "Not even in my wildest dreams could I have imagined achieving what is happening, another goal in the 90th that falls into my area, but on the other hand, yes, because I always trust that I can do well on the field."

Belgium's Thibaut Courtois, who sustained an injury during the quarterfinal against Spain but stated he was substituted due to tactical reasons, is considering a break from the Nations League to focus on Euro 2024 qualifiers. He plans to discuss this with the Belgian federation, indicating that if they do not support his plan, his last match for Belgium may have already been played.

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Not even in my wildest dreams could I have imagined achieving what is happening, another goal in the 90th that falls into my area, but on the other hand, yes, because I always trust that I can do well on the field.