World Cup Predictions for 7/11/26

England vs Norway 

Score Prediction: England 2, Norway 1

 

It’s the final day of the quarter-finals and we kick-off with an absolute banger between England and Norway. This game tells a tale of two sides – one being experienced in England and the other being Norway who has never advanced this far in the tournament. Norway has looked better at this tournament as a whole, and there’s no doubt they believe they can pull off the upset today. England hadn’t looked like the England we know until the last game against Mexico – and after seeing the team’s reaction in the locker room afterwards there’s no doubt they think it’s coming home.  After Norway defeated Brazil I said that was the biggest result of the tournament thus far, but I honestly think England topped them with their victory at Azteca in the fashion in which they earned it. England surely won’t underestimate Erling Haaland, and they can only hope to contain him. That being said, England has a pair of superstars in Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane also in top form. Bellingham’s game against Mexico was one of the most impressive World Cup games I’ve ever watched from a player. I don’t expect England to keep a clean sheet here, but I do expect them to advance to the semi-final. 

 

Argentina vs Switzerland

Score Prediction: Argentina 3, Switzerland 2 – Argentina advance in Extra Time

 

We finish off the night with Argentina facing off against Switzerland. Argentina’s World Cup title defense has been a complete roller coaster. Cape Verde almost took them the distance, while they narrowly escaped defeat against Egypt in the Round of 16 after falling 2-0 down late in the game. This Argentina side makes no sense to me, but they continue to ride the coattails of the greatest of all time Lionel Messi. I don’t like to be prisoner of the moment, but it’s hard not to think this has been the best World Cup of my sports viewing life. I think we will look back fondly on this golden boot race between Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe and all eyes will be on Messi tonight after Mbappe scored on Thursday afternoon. 

 

I think fatigue will play a major factor here – this game is at night so we don’t need to worry as much about the sun but Argentina has played two emotional games once including extra time while Switzerland needed PK’s to advance past Colombia. Nobody expected Switzerland to be here, and they can play that nothing to lose style from the first kick. Johan Manzambi will once again miss this match which is a huge loss for Switzerland, but Argentina has struggled with conceding goals giving up four in their last two matches. I’m betting on the roller coaster for Argentina continuing and they will once again rely on some late Messi magic if they want to keep their chances at becoming the first repeat champion since 1962 alive.