England, Argentina Chase 2 Semifinal Spots as Opta Gives Them 62.3% and 69.4% Edges

Q: With a new coach hired until 2030, is Portugal planning for a future with or without Cristiano Ronaldo?

Portugal is planning for a future that may still include Cristiano Ronaldo in the near term, but not one built entirely around him through 2030. The clearest signal is from new coach Jorge Jesus, who has been hired through the 2030 World Cup and has said he will speak directly with Ronaldo about his international future. Jesus, who coached him at Al-Nassr, called Ronaldo “a symbol” of Portuguese sport and said he “will never be a problem” for the national team. That indicates Portugal is not shutting the door on the 41-year-old. At the same time, the appointment itself is long-term planning beyond Ronaldo’s peak years. Even if Ronaldo remains available for some matches, Portugal’s 2030 cycle is expected to be shaped increasingly by younger players rather than by a team centered on him. Reporting around Portugal’s post-exit reset points to a broader transition, with the federation looking to refresh the squad after a disappointing Round of 16 defeat to Spain. So the answer is both: Portugal is leaving room for Ronaldo, but preparing structurally for life after him. Jesus’s stance suggests selection will depend on Ronaldo’s form, fitness and desire to continue, not on sentiment alone. With Portugal set to co-host the 2030 World Cup, the federation appears to want continuity, experience and a managed handover rather than an abrupt break.

3 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · Jul 11

Two semifinal berths remain open on Saturday, with England facing Norway in Miami and defending champion Argentina meeting Switzerland in Kansas City.
Opta’s 25,000-match simulations make both favorites: England have a 62.3% chance to advance and Argentina 69.4%, with 90-minute win odds at 50.4% and 57.1% respectively.
History also leans their way — England are 8-2 against Norway across 12 meetings, while Argentina are unbeaten in seven matches against Switzerland with five wins.
France and Spain have already reached the last four, and Saturday’s winners will complete a semifinal bracket that sends one survivor to face the France-Spain winner.

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England, Argentina Chase 2 Semifinal Spots as Opta Gives Them 62.3% and 69.4% Edges

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