England and Argentina Complete the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Final Line-up as Antena 1 Tops the Ratings for the 31st Consecutive Day
A dramatic night of football unfolded ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals, broadcast exclusively across the Antena Universe. Harry Kane's England and Jude Bellingham edged past Erling Haaland's Norway after extra time, while Lionel Messi's Argentina overcame Switzerland—also after extra time—in Sunday morning's quarter-final, broadcast live on Antena 1 and AntenaPLAY. The Norway vs. England clash, whose audience figures were released today, became the clear ratings leader, marking Antena 1's 31st consecutive day at the top of the ratings.
At midnight, all eyes were on the third FIFA World Cup quarter-final, Norway vs. England, which ended 2-1 after extra time. Broadcast live on Antena 1 and AntenaPLAY between 12:01 AM and 2:00 AM, the match ranked first among viewers with a 49.2% market share among adults aged 21–54, compared to Pro TV's 15.6%. The same dominance was seen among urban viewers, where the match recorded a 44.8% market share, ahead of Pro TV's 10%. Nationwide, Antena 1 also led with a 38.2% market share, while Pro TV followed with 11%. At the peak viewing minute (12:45 AM), more than 1.2 million viewers were watching the match on Antena 1.
England booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals live on Antena 1 and AntenaPLAY. Jude Bellingham inspired his side to victory and set up a semi-final showdown with Argentina, who also advanced after defeating Switzerland later that morning. Norway struck first in Miami through Schjelderup in the 37th minute. Bellingham restored parity deep into first-half stoppage time (45+2), and with neither side able to find a winner during the remaining 90 minutes, the match went to extra time. England secured victory early in the additional period, as Bellingham scored again in the 93rd minute to seal a 2-1 win in a match filled with controversial moments.
Norway had also found the net through Heggem from a corner, but the goal was overturned following a VAR review. Referee Clément Turpin was called to the monitor after England appealed for a foul during a challenge between Elliot Anderson and Erling Haaland, with Anderson falling to the ground. After reviewing the incident, Turpin ruled an attacking foul and disallowed the goal. Bellingham's equaliser also sparked debate, with Norwegian players claiming the ball had struck a Spidercam cable inside Miami Stadium before the goal. Shortly after the match, FIFA issued an official statement: "Before England's goal in the 45+2 minute against Norway, the sensor inside the match ball did not register any contact while the ball was airborne. Therefore, there is no evidence that the ball touched the Spidercam cable or that its trajectory was altered."
On Sunday morning, football fans around the world turned their attention to Argentina vs. Switzerland, which ended 3-1 after extra time. The reigning world champions secured their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals thanks to two goals scored in extra time. Julián Álvarez scored a stunning goal in the 112th minute before Lautaro Martínez sealed the victory in the 120+1 minute at Kansas City Stadium, giving Argentina a 3-1 triumph.
Switzerland were forced to play with ten men after Breel Embolo was sent off in the 71st minute for simulation. The Swiss striker left the pitch in tears after referee João Pinheiro reviewed the incident on the VAR monitor. Although he had initially shown a yellow card to Leandro Paredes, the replays confirmed there had been no contact with Embolo, resulting in the dismissal.
Lionel Messi (39) added yet another record to his extraordinary career as Argentina reached the semi-finals. He provided the assist for Alexis Mac Allister's opening goal in the 10th minute, taking his tally to ten FIFA World Cup assists and becoming the competition's all-time leading assist provider. Earlier in the tournament, Messi had also registered an assist in Argentina's Round of 16 victory over Egypt.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi-Finals Schedule
- France vs. Spain – Tuesday, 10:00 PM, live on Antena 1 and AntenaPLAY
- England vs. Argentina – Wednesday, 10:00 PM, live on Antena 1 and AntenaPLAY
The third-place play-off will take place on Saturday at 12:00 AM, live on Antena 1 and AntenaPLAY, while the FIFA World Cup Final will be played on Sunday at 10:00 PM.
Source: Fifty5Blue
Copyright: ARMADATA S.R.L.
Audience data processed by: Antena Group Research Department
Analysis based on the following audience segments: Adults 21–54 (Urban), Total Urban and National
Reporting period: July 11, 2026
