The second finalist of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be determined on July 15 as Argentina takes on England in Atlanta. The winner will face Spain in the final after it defeated France 2-0 in the first semifinal on July 14.
While the first semifinal was a rematch of Spain and France’s recent UEFA Euro 2024 showdown, Argentina and England have a much longer history. The two sides have met five times at the FIFA World Cup — in 1962, 1966, 1986, 1998 and 2002 — with England winning three of those encounters and Argentina two. But the bare statistics hardly capture the full drama of the rivalry.
For English football, this rivalry will always be associated with the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, the “Hand of God” Diego Maradona and his unforgettable solo run through half of England’s team. Then came David Beckham‘s red card in 1998 and his winning penalty four years later in Japan. Now the rivalry is about to add another chapter, with Lionel Messi, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham taking center stage.
Despite Argentina’s status as defending world champion, Lionel Scaloni‘s side has not always progressed through the tournament smoothly. Yet this is precisely where its current strength lies. Argentina has already come through difficult situations in the knockout stage, beating Cape Verde 3-2 in the round of 32, staging a 3-2 comeback against Egypt in the round of 16 and defeating Switzerland 3-1 in the quarterfinal.
Messi remains the key player in Argentina’s squad. At 39, he still defines the team’s play and remains one of the tournament’s standout performers. His eight goals and constant influence in attack make any defense vulnerable. At the same time, Argentina is about much more than one player. Alongside Messi are Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Rodrigo De Paul, Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez. It is a team capable not only of waiting for its captain’s decisive touch but also of creating pressure on its own.
England’s path to the semifinal was not entirely smooth either. In the round of 32, Thomas Tuchel’s side defeated DR Congo 2-1, then edged past Mexico 3-2 before beating Norway 2-1 in the quarterfinals. That victory was a testament not only to England’s character and squad depth but also to Jude Bellingham, who scored a brace in a hard-fought win.
For England, the upcoming match is a chance to reach their first FIFA World Cup final in 60 years. Since 1966, England has arrived at major tournaments with high expectations, but has almost always fallen one step short of the final. Now it once again faces a historic barrier — and an opponent that cannot be treated as ordinary.
Argentina is expected to slow the pace, draw England into midfield battles and look for Messi between the lines. If England gives him time to bring the ball under control and lift his head, the usual chain of problems will follow: teammates making runs, diagonal balls, passes into the box and shots from areas that seemed safe just seconds earlier.
For England, meanwhile, it will be important not only to neutralize Messi but also to avoid losing its composure. Tuchel has enough players at his disposal to attack down the flanks, deliver balls into the box and adjust the team’s approach as the match unfolds. Bellingham is capable of exploiting space from deep, Kane can link up play and finish attacks, while Bukayo Saka provides pace and width. In a match like this, that variety could prove to be England’s key asset.
Physical condition is also a factor. Both teams have come through tough matches in the previous rounds. England felt it especially against Norway when it had to cope with the heat, sustained pressure and extra time. Declan Rice‘s condition, the team’s squad depth and the defenders’ ability to cope with Argentina’s runs could prove just as important as the big names in attack.
England also heads into the semifinal amid lingering questions following the quarterfinal. Tuchel was dissatisfied with his team’s performance against Norway, while Bellingham publicly disagreed with the coach’s assessment. However, Kane and other players insisted there is no conflict within the squad.
The winner will face Spain in the final on July 19 in New York.
