England and Argentina Face Off in FIFA World Cup 2026 Second Semifinal

24 years later, England and Argentina are once again facing each other in the FIFA World Cup. This time, two great strikers of world football, Harry Kane and Lionel Messi, will face each other. The winner of this semifinal will compete with Spain in the World Cup final to be held on Sunday at the New York-New Jersey Stadium. The rivalry between England and Argentina has always been full of controversy, tension, and excitement, from Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal in the 1986 World Cup to David Beckham receiving a red card for kicking Diego Simeone in 1998.

In addition, the political dispute over the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands has also made the competition between these two nations more sensitive. Although separated by geography and history, both teams have one thing in common in this World Cup: both have made their way to the semifinals by saving themselves from difficult situations. England's goal is clear. They want to stop Lionel Messi, reach the World Cup final for the first time in 60 years, and win the title.

Argentina's goal is also equally clear. To win another tough game and reach the World Cup final for the second consecutive time and win the title.

How did both teams reach the semifinals?

England secured the top spot in Group 'L' with seven points. They defeated Croatia and Panama, and drew with Ghana. In the Round of 32, they defeated the Democratic Republic of Congo in the second half after a comeback. Then, at the prestigious Azteca Stadium, they defeated co-host Mexico 3-2 in an exciting match to advance to the Round of 16. In the quarterfinals, they came back from a goal down to defeat Norway 2-1 in extra time to secure a place in the final four. Argentina topped Group J by defeating Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. In the Round of 32, they defeated Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time. In the Round of 16, they achieved a dramatic 3-2 victory against Egypt after being two goals down, a match that also saw controversy over the referee's decision.

The quarter-final match against Switzerland also went into extra time, where Argentina won 3-1.

Finally, Messi faces England for the first time

Lionel Messi has achieved almost all the accolades in football, including the World Cup, Copa America, UEFA Champions League, Ballon d'Or, and Golden Ball. However, in his 21-year international career for Argentina, he has never played against England. The 39-year-old Messi will now face the Three Lions for the first time. He missed the opportunity to play against England in a friendly match in 2005 because he received a red card. Messi says, 'I have played against almost all the big teams except England. They are a superpower in world football. Playing against them in the World Cup semi-final will be special.'

With eight goals in six games, Messi is in one of the best World Cup campaigns of his career. He is aiming to win the Golden Boot for the first time. He is also leading the campaign to become the first nation to win two consecutive World Cups since 1962 as captain for Argentina. If Argentina defeats England, they will play in the final for the third time in the last four World Cups.

Along with that, Messi could equal the record of Brazil's great captain Cafu. Cafu played in three consecutive World Cup finals in 1994, 1998, and 2002. Even Diego Maradona only played in two consecutive World Cup finals.

Messi says, 'It is not easy to reach the semi-finals again. So, we must enjoy this moment to the fullest, because no one can say when such an opportunity will come again.'

Pickford says: We can handle the pressure

England has not won any major trophy since winning the World Cup on home soil in 1966. But the current team, led by Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, is on the verge of making history. According to goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, the team is ready to handle the pressure. He said, 'We have shown the desire to win throughout the tournament. We have not been caught up in unnecessary controversies; whether the decision goes in our favor or against us, we will compose ourselves again and respond through football.'

England, ranked fourth in the FIFA rankings, is playing in the semi-finals for the fourth time in the last five major tournaments.

Match Prediction

According to Opta's supercomputer, England has a 37.3% chance of winning in regular time, while Argentina has a 32% chance of winning in regular time. The probability of the match going into extra time is 30.7%.

Who is the referee for this match?

Main Referee: Ismail Elfath (USA)
Assistant Referee: Cory Parker (USA)
Assistant Referee: Kyle Atkins (USA)
Fourth Official: Maurizio Mariani (Italy)
Reserve Assistant Referee: Daniele Bindoni (Italy)

Head-to-Head

So far, both teams have played 14 matches, with England winning 6 and Argentina winning 3. 5 matches have ended in a draw.

Recent Major Results

2005: England 3-2 Argentina (Friendly)
2002 World Cup: England 1-0 Argentina
2000: England 0-0 Argentina
1998 World Cup: Argentina 2-2 England (Argentina won 4-3 on penalties)
1991: England 2-2 Argentina

England's Declan Rice's participation is uncertain. Jordan Henderson is out with a hand injury. According to reports, there are no new injury concerns in the Argentina squad so far.

Probable Starting Lineup

England (4-1-3-2): Pickford; Konsa, Stones, Guehi, O'Riley; Rice; Anderson; Madueke, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.

Argentina (4-1-3-2): Martinez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro, Tagliafico; Paredes; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi, Alvarez.