The 2026 World Cup will experience this Wednesday one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament, when England and Argentina face each other at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, for a ticket to the grand final.
Beyond the quality of their squads, the duel brings together two teams that have built one of the most intense and historic rivalries in world football.
Both teams arrive with the wear and tear of having needed extra time to advance. England left Norway behind after a hard-fought victory, while Argentina did the same against Switzerland in an equally demanding match. Now, with the final just one step away, the margin of error is minimal and the expectation is maximum.
All eyes will be on the great references of each team. On the Argentine side, Lionel Messi will seek to continue guiding the Albiceleste towards a new chapter of World Cup glory. On the other side appears Harry Kane, English leader and scorer, determined to lead the Three Lions to a historic final.
The five most remembered duels between England and Argentina in the World Cups
Chile 1962
The first World Cup meeting between both teams took place in the group stage of Chile 1962. England won 3-1 thanks to goals from Ron Flowers, Bobby Charlton and Jimmy Greaves, while José Sanfilippo scored for Argentina.
England 🏴 x 🇦🇷 Argentina (Part 1)
– England 🏴 3 x 1 🇦🇷 Argentina (June 2, 1962, 1962 World Cup; Group stage – 🇨🇱 El Teniente Stadium, Rancagua)
⚽️🏴 | England goals: Ron Flowers (18′ pen), Bobby Charlton (43′) and Jimmy Greaves (68′)
⚽️🇦🇷 | Goal da… pic.twitter.com/UPoOYlZhVc— Arthur F. Garbuio (@arthurgarbuio) July 14, 2026
England 1966
The rivalry gained strength in the quarterfinals of the World Cup held at Wembley. England won 1-0 with a score by Geoff Hurst and the match was marked by the expulsion of Argentine Antonio Rattin, after protesting referee decisions.
Mexico 1986
Probably the most remembered match in the history of both countries. Argentina won 2-1 in the quarterfinals thanks to Diego Armando Maradona’s unforgettable double. That day two of the most famous plays of the World Cups were born: the “Hand of God” and the “Goal of the Century”.
“THE BEST INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE IN THE HISTORY OF SPORTS”
Many are discovering that Argentina-England 86 were not just the Hand of God and the Goal of the Century.
It was a huge game from Diego: dribbles, passes, pipes, recoveries.
The full summary is worth watching. pic.twitter.com/1qOdFEETxu
— Ale Bertini (@abertini1) July 13, 2026
France 1998
In the round of 16 there was another memorable chapter. After tying 2-2 in regulation time, Argentina advanced in the penalty shootout 4-3. The match is also remembered for the expulsion of David Beckham and the outstanding performance of goalkeeper Carlos Roa.
Argentina vs England, World Cup 1998. Argentina won it through penalties, David Beckham got a red card for kicking Diego Simeone in the 47th minute. pic.twitter.com/rw3kIxQZkN
— TN Sport (@xThen_Now) July 14, 2026
Korea-Japan 2002
The English team got a kind of revenge by defeating Argentina 1-0 in the group stage. David Beckham scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot, a result that ended up being decisive for Argentina’s elimination in that World Cup.
Argentina vs England – 2002 FIFA World Cup (Korea/Japan)🏆🌏 pic.twitter.com/rnVOl2zFDt
— boogeyman (@anothersrg) July 12, 2026
A semi-final with history and a lot at stake
This new confrontation adds an unprecedented chapter to the rivalry: it will be the first time that England and Argentina meet in a World Cup semifinal. The history, the memories of great battles and the weight of its figures make this duel one of the most attractive in recent times.
With Messi leading the Albiceleste and Kane as England’s reference, Atlanta will be the scene of a clash full of emotion, tension and football quality. The prize is enormous: a place in the World Cup final and the opportunity to continue writing history in a rivalry that has transcended generations.