12th Jul23:00 BSTThat's all, folks!Thanks for tuning into Mirror Football's World Cup live blog.Our coverage has now come to a close, as we're off to get some well-deserved rest after a hectic weekend, but you can continue to keep up with all of the latest news from across the tournament on our homepage.Alternatively, you can check out some of Sunday's biggest stories below...Stay safe!12th Jul22:33 BSTOne man overruled Folarin Balogun red cardAs per The Times, Mohammad al-Kamali was single-handedly responsible for waiving Folarin Balogun's World Cup ban, following the USA striker's red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The report adds that the chairman of FIFA's disciplinary committee didn't ask any of the other 17 members to be involved in the decision.While Balogun had been sent off for serious foul play, which usually carries a two-match ban at the World Cup, al-Kamali made the decision to give Balogun a one match ban suspended for a year. That, in-turn, allowed the Monaco striker to represent his nation in their round of 16 match with Belgium - albeit, Balogun had little impact as his nation crashed out in a 4-1 loss.(Image: Getty Images)12th Jul22:00 BSTWorld Cup manager sacked after tournament exitThe Senegalese Football Federation said that they have sacked Pape Thiaw "in the best interests of Senegalese football," following a "thorough evaluation of the sporting results and prospects of the national team."It comes after the 45-year-old failed to guide the African nation past the round of 32 at the World Cup, suffering a 3-2 loss to Belgium in extra-time.Senegal's head coach Pape Thiaw reacts during presentation ceremony after winning the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final football match against Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, 2026. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP via Getty Images)12th Jul21:30 BSTRoad to the World Cup finalThe World Cup final is almost upon us, as just two three matches remain until we see who is crowned football's greatest nation.Here's the road to the 2026 World Cup final...Tuesday, July 14 - France vs Spain (8pm BST)Wednesday, July 15 - England vs ArgentinaSunday, July 19 - World Cup finalWho do you think will win the World Cup? Let us know in the comments.12th Jul21:01 BSTTuchel highlights 'pretty simple' formula to beat ArgentinaThomas Tuchel believes the England formula to beat Argentina in the semi-finals of the World Cup relies on Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham being at their best.He said after the Norway win: “If we are talking about a formula, it’s pretty simple: Put Harry and Jude together, they will do the rest. We need to get better in attacking, to also bring other players into position, but of course they are decisive players.“They love the responsibility, they have the quality, they show up in decisive moments, so there’s nothing wrong with it, we don’t need to be sorry for that. These two guys play for us and decide the matches for us, it’s impressive.“They are both top players, they found a way to play so efficiently with each other, through the middle of the pitch. Full credit to them, absolutely top tournament.”12th Jul20:36 BST2030 World Cup could have 64 teams as FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirms plansGianni Infantino has claimed that FIFA could consider further expanding their World Cup intake to 64 teams in 2030 - after seeing the current competition as a major success.This summer's competition across North America was the first instalment which included 48 teams, having previously only welcomed 32 nations between 1998 and 2022. And Infantino, speaking about another potential expansion, recently told Bluewin: "It (a 64-team tournament) is definitely an issue that will be examined and discussed in the relevant committees after this World Cup."He added that the World Cup is "for the whole world, not just Europe and South America."12th Jul20:09 BSTRace for the golden boot goes onHere are the top 10 players in the race for the World Cup golden boot...1) Kylian Mbappe (8)1) Lionel Messi (8)3) Erling Haaland (7)4) Jude Bellingham (6)4) Harry Kane (6)6) Ousmane Dembele (5)7) Ismaila Sarr (4)7) Julian Quinones (4)7) Vinicius Junior (4)7) Mikel Oyarzabal (4)12th Jul19:31 BSTHaaland supporting England despite semi-final knockoutBy Jerry Lawton.Erling Haaland says he is now supporting England after they knocked Norway out of the World Cup.The Manchester City striker failed to score for the first time in the tournament and was substituted in extra time as the Three Lions won their quarter-final 2-1 in stifling Miami heat.Haaland, 25, was born in Leeds while dad Alf-Inge was playing for the Yorkshire club and could have been part of Thomas Tuchel’s team.We told how he was even pictured wearing an England football shirt as a youngster.But he moved back to Norway aged three after his dad hung up his boots and has played international football for them ever since.After England KO’d his adopted homeland Erling said he would now be supporting the Three Lions’ glory bid.Asked if he backed Tuchel’s team’s bid to end 60 years of hurt he said: “Yes, why not. I have some City friends at England.“Of course I want them to do well. I got an England shirt before I got a Norway shirt when I was little."Norway's forward #09 Erling Braut Haaland (L) congratulates England's midfielder #10 Jude Bellingham (C) as Norway's midfielder #14 Fredrik Aursnes looks on, after Bellingham scored his team's second goal during the 2026 World Cup football tournament quarter-final match between Norway and England at Miami Stadium in Miami on July 11, 2026. (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP via Getty Images)12th Jul18:30 BSTJordan Henderson admits breaking wrist was 'not finest hour'Speaking to ITV about breaking his wrist in the aftermath of England's 3-2 win over Mexico in the last 16 of the World Cup, Henderson explained: "It's alright, thanks. Not my finest hour I know. Main job was to go there and win, progress, that's the main thing."A tough couple of days. Soon as I came back to camp to see the lads, we've got a great medical team, the DRs and surgeons in Kansas were amazing. Grateful for that, delighted to be here today."12th Jul18:00 BSTNorway 'robbed' by 'spidercam'By Jerry Lawton.Norway stars claimed they were `robbed’ by the ref - and 'spidercam'. They insisted Jude Bellingham’s first-half stoppage time equaliser should have been ruled out because the ball hit a wire feeding the eye-in-the-sky camera above the pitch in the build-up.Had it done the goal would have been scrubbed out and play restarted with a drop ball. But referee Clement Turpin said he did not see it and FIFA said sensors inside the ball - which detect the softest touch - did not pick it up.The goal stood and England went on to win 2-1 after extra-time. Norway midfielder Sander Berge said afterwards: “It's ridiculous this one with the wire. There are small margins and we know which way it went.”Captain Martin Odegaard said: “I didn't see it myself but margins were not in our favour today with some of the decisions. Maybe you need that in games like this.”Erling Haaland’s dad Alf-Inge Haaland, who played for Manchester City and Leeds, said Norway were ‘robbed’ and Thomas Tuchel’s men had been ‘saved by the referee’ - though he added he hoped England go on to ‘win’ the World Cup.Erling Haaland's dad Alfie didn't take Norway's defeat to England very well.(Image: FIFA via Getty Images)12th Jul17:38 BSTLatest Make Football Great Again episode out now!Mirror Football were quick to react to England's 2-1 win over Norway on Sunday evening, and you can hear our comprehensive analysis of the match below.Content cannot be displayed without consent12th Jul17:03 BSTInfantino defends Trump trophy plansGianni Infantino has revealed that Donald Trump will be present for the World Cup trophy presentation ceremony. That's despite widespread criticism of the pair's relationship following USA's successful appeal to overturn Folarin Balogun's red card and one match ban.Infantino said: "Hopefully we’ll present the trophy together in the final. That’s always been the plan—and that’s how it’s always been done in the past—for the president of the country hosting the final to present the trophy together with the FIFA president."Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the red card for Folarin Balogun(Image: Getty Images)12th Jul16:30 BSTArgentina fitness update givenBy Ryan Taylor in Miami, Florida.Argentina believe they got through their gruelling World Cup quarter-final triumph over Switzerland with a clean bill of health - despite Lionel Messi busting his eye and Cristian Romero and Leandro Paredes being substituted due to physical exhaustion.The holders will now meet England in Atlanta on Wednesday for a place in Sunday's final.Messi received treatment after his eye swelled following a bump from Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka.Tottenham captain Romero has also moved to ease fears over his status after he was subbed in extra-time, stating: “I hadn't played for more than three months. The heat and everything made it difficult. I finished a bit tired, and the coach put [Nicolas] Otamendi in, who was fresher."Goalscorer Julian Alvarez also finally looks to have shaken off his ankle injury which required injections late last season.The Atletico Madrid striker, wanted by Barcelona and Arsenal, has finally hit form at the tournament after struggling to make an impact for Argentina during the group phase.KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JULY 11: Lionel Messi of Argentina sprays water on his face during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Argentina and Switzerland at Kansas City Stadium on July 11, 2026 in Kansas City, United States. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)12th Jul16:00 BSTNo World Cup action this eveningIt's a sad day for football fans, with no World Cup action taking place this evening. Instead, we have a two day lay-off before the semi-final clash between France and Spain lands at 8pm BST on Tuesday evening.The other semi-final between England and Argentina, then comes at 8pm BST on Wednesday.12th Jul15:30 BSTNeville defends BellinghamOne of the big headline stories coming out of England's World Cup quarter-final win over Norway was Jude Bellingham's on-air disagreement with Thomas Tuchel.The latter was not happy with the performance with Bellingham responding to that claim by stating the England boss did not know how hard it was out on the pitch.Gary Neville, via Sky Sports, has since weighed in on the talking point and promptly defended Bellingham.I really liked it. I’m not a great believer in players not doing interviews, particularly when you’re the best players in the team. If you’re the star player, the guy that is going to win us games, I think you’re the guy who has to go and speak. Jude Bellingham in every single game at this tournament has spoken - even after the Ghana draw when it wasn’t a great performance and there was a bit of criticism flying around. There are only a number of players that can make interviews like that, with a bit of punch back at their manager and he is one of them. Being a superstar isn’t just about delivering on the pitch. I think that interview is someone completely and utterly comfortable, confident, safe in his own personality and character. What I liked wasn’t just the words that came out of his mouth, but it was the look in his eyes. You see the look of someone who is fierce and determined to succeed. He’s 23 years of age, it’s absolutely monumental what that lad is doing. The impact that he is having on young people in our country and around the world is magnificent. I think there may be a little bit made of the Tuchel/Bellingham stuff - that’s obviously something that has been going on for 12 months. But Tuchel ain’t dropping him. Bellingham probably respects his manager for having the guts to say it after the game. He may not think it now, but in 10/15 years when he thinks about excellence and elite performance, he will recognise Thomas Tuchel was only striving for more out of the team because he believes they can deliver more. What you have sometimes - not just in football but in life - is people not willing to have difficult conversations with each other. Thomas Tuchel comes out, he’s given an interview, he’s not happy with the performance because he knows that team can do better and he knows they have to do better against Argentina. He’s got a player who wants a bit of respect for getting to a World Cup semi-final, for the achievement, effort and commitment that the players have put in. I have no problem with this kind of stuff. Sometimes it comes to a head, but it’s not a problem. Sometimes it’s better to be like that than have it the other way.England's Jude Bellingham celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game during the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final match at the Miami Stadium. Picture date: Saturday July 11, 2026.12th Jul15:00 BSTArgentina suspension demandedAngry World Cup fans have called on FIFA to ban Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez from the semi-final clash against England.He grabbed Argentina's third goal against Switzerland which sparked scenes of celebration. Martinez even jumped the barrier to celebrate with fans despite being on a a yellow card.Supporters on social media have since reacted to the incident with many stating that he should have been shown a second, and therefore face suspension for the England game.Click here to read more....Lautaro Martinez celebrated with Argentina fans after making it 3-1.(Image: Luke Hales/Getty Images)12th Jul14:38 BSTBellingham injury fearsJude Bellingham has sparked England injury fears following the World Cup quarter-final win over Norway.Bellingham scored twice to drag the Three Lions into the semi-finals but there is now seemingly concern over his fitness. As per Spanish outlet Diario AS, the Real Madrid star has been recorded in the mixed zone stretching out his shoulder, which was operated on last summer.An image of Bellingham during the game has also emerged which shows him putting pressure on that area. England fans will be hoping it is manageable discomfort given his importance.Content cannot be displayed without consent12th Jul14:00 BSTWorld Cup-winner tells Bellingham to 'shut up'Frank Leboeuf has said Jude Bellingham should 'shut up' after clapping back at Thomas Tuchel's comments following the World Cup win over Norway.Tuchel said after Saturday's win in Miami that his side were "lucky" to get through to the semi-finals following an at-times "sloppy" display.This then turned into a media storm when the comments were put to Bellingham, who suggested his national team boss "doesn't know what it's like to play in those kind of conditions against Erling Haaland, [Martin] Ødegaard, [Antonio] Nusa, [Alexander] Sørloth."And now Leboeuf, who won the 1998 World Cup with France, has fired back with criticism for Bellingham, whom he suggested should never criticise his coach in public."Tuchel is doing that [criticising England] because he did that last time and you’re going through so you can say that you were sometimes unhappy with the team," he said on ESPN."John Stones made a mistake and Haaland nearly scored, mistakes by Noni Madueke and some others…But I don’t understand why Jude has to respond to what the coach said."When it was put to the Frenchman that Bellingham was merely answering a question, Leboeuf added: "But don’t answer! I wouldn’t answer!"There is a hierarchy. The coach says whatever he wants, you shut up! You shut up and you don’t comment on what your coach had to say."I’m sorry, it never works like that. Maybe he feels he’s in a very strong position and I think he is, but he could be on the bench for the next game because you don’t have to comment on what your coach is saying."Maybe he [Tuchel] is saying stupid things, but you keep it to yourself. You don’t comment publicly what your coach has said."(Image: Elsa/Getty Images)12th Jul13:28 BST'Nowhere in the world' Tuchel would rather beAfter leading England to a World Cup semi-final, Thomas Tuchel has said there's "nowhere else in the whole wide world" he'd rather be.The former Chelsea, Bayern Munich and PSG boss is 18 months into his tenure as Three Lions coach and has been a major success to date.Speaking after Saturday's win over Norway, he acknowledged the difficulty of the job but suggested he's thriving under the pressure."It's intense," said the German. "I'm enjoying it a lot. I feel very alive in these moments."To lead a team out on the field and to be there, and preparation is done and then you go out and then the last two three minutes before a match I feel very alive."This is this is where I want to be. I don't want to be anywhere else in the world in these minutes. And in this very moment, nowhere else in the whole wide world."I enjoy it a lot but having a knockout match every three, four days is, yeah, a new level of demand and a new level of emotional roller coaster. I admit that so I need also a bit of time now. We will give the players [Sunday] full recovery and starts at the latest in the afternoon our preparation for the match with the staff."England's German head coach Thomas Tuchel(Image: AFP or licensors)12th Jul13:01 BSTWorld Cup star slams Argentina biasSwitzerland star Manuel Akanji has fuelled speculation suggesting Argentina are getting preferential treatment from officials.Lionel Messi & Co are still on course to defend their World Cup crown and face England in the semi-finals on Wednesday after beating Switzerland in extra time.That result was made all the easier after Breel Embolo was sent off in the second half. However, Inter Milan defender Akanji was left incensed by what he perceived as a lack of equal decisions being awarded against the South Americans."When you have the referee against you, it becomes difficult. Every little thing was called against us," said the former Manchester City defender."Every dive and every foul by the Argentinians went unpunished. I don’t usually say anything against the officials, but I’ve never experienced such a one-sided game as today."As soon as the game was over, I thought: 'I’m so proud of our team.' What we’ve achieved throughout the entire tournament, and especially today."We played against the world champions and they didn’t stand a chance. I can’t recall a single scoring opportunity from open play where we were lucky."If the game had continued 11 against 11, it would have likely gone in our favour."(Image: Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images)12th Jul12:38 BSTHaaland backs England stars to win World CupErling Haaland has thrown his support behind England's stars to go and win the World Cup - or some of them, at least.Following Norway's exit at the hands of Thomas Tuchel's side, Haaland conceded he can rally behind certain Manchester City team-mates.And England will benefit more than any other team still in the tournament given England have no fewer than four City stars playing for them in Marc Guehi, James Trafford, Nico O'Reilly and new arrival Elliot Anderson."Yeah, why not? I have a few City lads in England, in France and with Spain," said Leeds-born Haaland after Saturday's extra-time defeat."Of course, I want England to do well - I think I got an England jersey before a Norway jersey when I was young. So of course, I want England to do well because it’s a nice country and a nice t-shirt."But for me now I’m just looking forward to a break!"France and Spain also benefit from one City player apiece in Rayan Cherki and Rodri, respectively.Marc Guehi will need to use all of his insider knowledge to stop Haaland(Image: Getty Images)12th Jul12:03 BSTZlatan in brutal Madueke assessmentZlatan Ibrahimovic was scathing in his assessment of Noni Madueke's contribution (or lack thereof) against Norway.The Arsenal winger was hooked at half-time in Miami after struggling to have much of an impact in the first period.And Ibrahimovic ended up calling Thomas Tuchel's tactic ahead of time after picking Madueke out during the half-time interval, with the scores tied at 1-1."I think that [England] are playing with one player less so far," said the Swede on FOX's World Cup broadcast. "Madueke has been on the pitch. I have to say, every time he gets the ball he makes the wrong decision."He's walking on the pitch...If I am [Thomas] Tuchel I change him, because he has done nothing in this first 45 minutes. Even the hydration break didn't help him."He hasn't started every game. They are playing with one guy less."MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JULY 11: Thomas Tuchel, Manager of England, speaks with Noni Madueke #20 during a hydration break in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Norway and England at Miami Stadium on July 11, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)12th Jul11:27 BSTMessi's England messageLionel Messi is looking forward to facing England for the first time in the semi-finals of World Cup 2026.It's been 21 years since the two teams last faced off but the hiatus will end in Atlanta on Wednesday.And Messi is relishing the chance to make World Cup history of his own against the Three Lions, referencing his country's 1986 win in this same fixture."Everything I have seen and remember [about the World Cup 1986 game] is from videos and images that Argentinians constantly watch and relive."But I think this group is used to playing football matches regardless of the opponent. Obviously, playing against England is special because they are a powerhouse, and matches against powerhouses are always special."Personally, it's the first time I'm going to play against them. I've played against everyone except England, so it will be nice for that reason too.“And we'll experience it for what it is: a World Cup semifinal against a powerhouse, a great team, and we'll try to arrive in the best possible shape to compete again."Messi later took to Instagram following Saturday's extra-time win over Switzerland and posted: "Again it suffered but this team never stops believing. We're in the top four in the world again!!! Let's f*****g go."Argentina have released a furious statement after reports that they'd been the subject of a cyber-attack from Egyptian-origin hackers.(Image: Getty Images)12th Jul10:49 BSTEngland vs Norway reactionMirror Football's John Cross sat down with Harry Brent to digest England's latest World Cup win.The Three Lions still have the chance to make history this summer after ending Erling Haaland's pursuit on Saturday.The match included a fair dose of controversy, surprise performances and a Jude Bellingham brace to send England sailing into the semis as our writers react.Content cannot be displayed without consent12th Jul10:20 BSTEngland's record vs ArgentinaEngland and Argentina go way back, having first faced off in a 1951 friendly that saw the Three Lions emerge as 2-1 victors.The two international titans have met 14 times in total, with La Albiceleste claiming victory in only three of those.It's worth noting, however, that two of those wins have come at World Cups (in 1986 and 1998). Each team boasts two World Cup wins over the other (including penalty shootouts), with England triumphing in their most recent clash at the tournament in 2002.It was of course an iconic David Beckham penalty that sealed that result four years after his red card shame in the same fixture.The last meeting between these sides also went in England's favour in a 2005 friendly, which they won 3-2. However, both teams have gone through substantial transformations sicne then, setting the stage for a reunion that's been a long time in the making.World Cup 2002(Image: Getty)12th Jul09:51 BSTEngland facing Argentina at right time?Chris Sutton has suggested England will be "relishing" facing Argentina in their current state.The current world champions are on course to challenge for a second straight title after winning each of their six games at World Cup 2026.However, two of those last three results have had to be settled in extra-time after drawing against Switzerland and Cape Verde at the end of 90 minutes.Lionel Scaloni's side have also failed to keep a clean sheet in four games, which suggests they may not be the same power they were eback in 2022, according to BBC pundit Sutton.Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, he said: "I think Thomas Tuchel and the England players will be relishing the prospect of playing this Argentina team in its current guise, its current form, because this isn't a great Argentina team but they do have a habit of finding a way."Lionel Messi celebrates after Argentina's World Cup win over Switzerland(Image: (Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images))12th Jul09:17 BSTRooney highlights Messi "weakness"England icon Wayne Rooney has highlighted one of the downsides to having Lionel Messi on your team.The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner will look to lead Argentina past England in the World Cup semi-finals on Wednesday.But while Messi may be joint-leader in World Cup scoring with eight goals, Rooney said there is one particular drawback as a result of his methods."He can be a weakness defensively for Argentina," said England's former all-time top scorer on the BBC."He doesn't run back, but he has big moments a bit like with Jude Bellingham. He has big moments and moments of quality. The thing with Messi is his decision-making – he comes to life in moments of the game and he makes the right decision."Marking Lionel Messi is about concentration and communication. Communicating with your team-mates about picking up positions you might not usually pick up."(Image: BBC)12th Jul08:48 BSTBellingham 'aura' compared to Messi ahead of showdownJude Bellingham has an ample supply of the same things that makes Lionel Messi great - aura.That's according to Micah Richards, who assures "everyone should be excited" to see the two superstars face off.England and Norway will collide in Atalanta on Wednesday in a World Cup semi-final to savour.And Richards believes the world is in for a treat as he said on the BBC: "England can outrun Argentina but they just have that little genius Messi. They all play for him. Everyone should be excited."Marking him is impossible because he doesn't run back. He goes into little spaces where he shouldn't really be. He switches on at the right times [and] he's got the best technique. His spatial awareness is fantastic. He's got a great shot."Most importantly, he's got what Jude's got and that's what makes Jude so great, he's got personality and aura."Messi has the most aura out of any footballer. Messi's aura is just next level, so it's going to be interesting."(Image: VCG via Getty Images)12th Jul08:28 BSTRice 'bedridden for days' before Norway winThomas Tuchel has revealed the extent of Declan Rice's illness woes prior to starring in Saturday's 2-1 win over Norway.It was already known the Arsenal star had been struggling with a sickness in the week leading up to the game.However, Tuchel's post-match comments in Miami detailed just how much the middfielder's preparation was affected."We made life for ourselves complicated, we had some players struggling with the heat," said Tuchel after the game."Ezri Konsa was one of them, cramps in his hamstring and with Declan, we made the decision to go more offensive at half-time..."It's about being closer to your opponent's box, so we put in Ebs [Eberechi Eze] and Bukayo [Saka] and that meant we had to take Dec or Elliot [Anderson] out."Knowing that Declan struggles after the last three days, he was most of the time in bed, I knew he could not survive the 90 minutes."(Image: Getty Images)12th Jul08:05 BSTHaaland hails 'unbelievable' BellinghamErling Haaland showed nothing but grace following Norway's defeat to England and picked out former team-mate Jude Bellingham for praise.The pair once played together at Borussia Dortmund, meaning Haaland knows better than most what the England talisman is capable of.And he was full of compliments for his old colleague as he spoke to the media post-match: "It's just praise for Jude. I think he's unbelievable."Jude is a good friend. We had two good years together in Dortmund, so we keep in touch and everything and he's such a good guy."We had so much fun together. And I'm not surprised that he scores two goals today and performs the way he does."The only thing is he gets too much [criticism] because he doesn't score enough goals or whatever it is. And I don't think he deserves it because he's one of the best in the world."(Image: FIFA via Getty Images)‌