Argentina and England renew fierce World Cup rivalry in semi-final

Argentina’s 3-1 victory over Switzerland 3-1 takes them into the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup, where they will face bitter rivals England, who saw off Norway 2-1 after extra time in the other quarter-final, for a place in the final.

It will be the sixth meeting between the two sides at a World Cup – and the first in 24 years.

The World Cup rivalry dates back to Chile 1962, when Argentina lost 3-1 to England in the group stage.

Four years later the sides met again, this time with England as hosts, in the 1966 quarter-finals. Argentina lost 1-0 in a fiercely contested match remembered above all for the sending-off of captain Antonio Rattín, who was shown a red card in the first half.

Rattín refused to leave for 10 minutes, demanding an interpreter because he couldn't understand the referee. On his way off the pitch, he sat down on the red carpet reserved for Queen Elizabeth II and crumpled an English corner flag in protest.

The expulsion of Rattín, who died just a few days ago, on July 11, 2026 aged 89, is widely credited with prompting FIFA to introduce yellow and red cards.

Argentina had to wait 20 years for revenge, beating England 2-1 in the quarter-finals of Mexico 1986 thanks to an incredible Diego Maradona double — the ‘Mano de Dios’ (Hand of God) and the ‘Gol del Siglo’ (Goal of the Century). The game came just four years after the South Atlantic conflict, which began after Argentina invaded the Malvinas (Falkland) Islands.

The two sides met again in the last 16 of France 1998, in a match settled by penalties after a 2-2 draw following extra time; Argentina won the shoot-out 4-3.

Their most recent World Cup meeting, at the South Korea-Japan 2002 tournament, ended in disappointment for the Albiceleste: a 1-0 group-stage defeat contributed to their early exit from a tournament they had entered among the favourites.

Argentina and England meet again on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with the winner to face France or Spain in the final.

Argentina v England at World Cups

Chile 1962: Argentina 1-3 England (group stage)

England 1966: Argentina 0-1 England (quarter-final)

Mexico 1986: Argentina 2-1 England (quarter-final)

France 1998: Argentina 2-2 England (last 16, Argentina won 4-3 on penalties)

South Korea-Japan 2002: Argentina 0-1 England (group stage)