World Cup 2026: England advances to semifinals after beating Norway, faces Argentina next

England is one step away from a potential second World Cup title, having defeated Norway 2-1 in the quarterfinals of the 2026 North American tournament. Jude Bellingham scored both goals for the Three Lions in Miami, securing their place in the semifinals.

Their next challenge is a highly anticipated match against Argentina, the current world champions. England's team boasts prolific goalscorers, but they face a formidable opponent led by Lionel Messi. England's only previous World Cup triumph was on home soil in 1966. Since then, they have not reached another final and this semifinal appearance is only their third.

In 1966, England hosted the tournament and defeated West Germany 4-2 in extra time to lift the trophy. The world has changed dramatically in the nearly 66 years since. That year, "The Sound of Music" won Best Picture at the Oscars, and The Beatles released their influential album "Revolver." Musically, The Beach Boys also released "Pet Sounds." The Vietnam War intensified significantly, with the U.S. deploying over 380,000 soldiers. Boxing legend Mike Tyson was born a month before England's victory, and Mexican footballer Jorge Campos was born later that year.