Messi Returns... Haaland Challenges Kane in the Quarter-Finals

In a highly anticipated night of the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals, attention turns tonight to two matches featuring contrasting narratives between a legend and a new phenomenon.

In Kansas City, Lionel Messi returns to the pitch at the peak of his powers, having scored eight goals in this tournament, raising his all-time record tally to 21 goals in World Cup history.

Argentina, managed by Lionel Scaloni, appears favored on paper to overcome Switzerland, but their path has been arduous; they required extra time to edge past Cape Verde 3-2, and then came back from a 2-0 deficit against Egypt in the 79th minute to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory. Conversely, Switzerland advanced smoothly, defeating Algeria 2-0 and then Colombia on penalties, setting up their toughest test yet.

Meanwhile, in Miami, eyes are fixed on a historic clash between Norway and England. Manager Ståle Solbakken has emphasized that the battle between Erling Haaland and Harry Kane will be decisive, while the English national team grapples with defensive issues due to the injury of Marc Guehi and the suspension of Jarrell Quansah.

Norway has written one of the tournament’s most remarkable stories, reaching the quarter-finals for the first time in their history after eliminating Ivory Coast and Brazil, thanks to Haaland’s brilliance. His seven goals have made him the runner-up in the Golden Boot race behind Messi. England, reaching this stage for the eleventh time, are seeking a long-awaited semi-final since 2018, having narrowly advanced past the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mexico thanks to goals from Kane and Bellingham.

The match also carries a special club dimension, as Haaland faces his Manchester City teammates, while Ødegaard confronts his Arsenal colleagues. Although the two national teams have never met in the World Cup, their history includes 12 previous encounters, the most recent being a friendly in 2014 that ended in a 1-0 win for England thanks to a Wayne Rooney goal.

The winner of the Miami clash will face the victor of the Argentina-Switzerland match in the semi-finals on July 15 in Atlanta, completing the picture of the final four.