Argentina and England will meet in the second semi-final of the 2026 World Cup at 8pm on Wednesday 15 July after both survived increasingly difficult knockout-stage tests.
The reigning champions have won all six of their matches, but their route has been far less comfortable than that perfect record suggests. Argentina needed extra time against both Cape Verde and Switzerland and produced a remarkable late comeback to escape against Egypt.
England have also shown resilience rather than complete control. They topped Group L unbeaten, played much of their Round-of-16 victory over Mexico with ten men and then required two goals from Jude Bellingham to overcome Norway after extra time.
It sets up one of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament: Lionel Messi against England for the first time in his international career, and another chapter in a World Cup rivalry shaped by the 1966 quarter-final, Diego Maradona’s two famous goals in 1986 and Argentina’s penalty-shootout victory in 1998.
Argentina’s route to the semi-final
Group J
Argentina 3-0 Algeria
Argentina began their title defence with Lionel Messi producing the outstanding individual performance of the opening round.
The 39-year-old scored all three goals as the holders comfortably defeated Algeria. The hat-trick immediately placed Messi at the head of the Golden Boot race and suggested he remained capable of deciding matches almost single-handedly. Argentina controlled the contest and kept a clean sheet, providing an ideal opening to what is expected to be Messi’s final World Cup.
Argentina 2-0 Austria
The second group match was less spectacular but equally effective.
Austria had won their opening fixture against Jordan, yet Argentina again controlled the match and recorded another clean sheet. The victory secured their place in the knockout rounds with a match to spare. Lionel Scaloni was therefore able to rotate his team for the final group fixture.
Argentina 3-1 Jordan
Argentina completed the group stage with a third consecutive victory.
Giovani Lo Celso opened the scoring, Lautaro Martínez converted from the penalty spot and Messi came off the bench to score Argentina’s third. Jordan found a consolation, but the result was never seriously in doubt.
Argentina finished top of Group J with nine points, eight goals scored and only one conceded. Messi had scored four of those eight goals and entered the knockout phase as the central figure in their attempt to retain the trophy.
Argentina in the knockout rounds
Round of 32: Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde after extra time
Cape Verde had already produced one of the surprises of the tournament by holding Spain and qualifying from Group H. They then pushed Argentina to the edge of elimination.
The match went into extra time before Argentina eventually prevailed 3-2. An own goal in the 111th minute proved decisive as the holders avoided what would have been one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history. Although Argentina advanced, the match exposed vulnerabilities that had not been apparent during the group stage. Their defence could be unsettled, and opponents willing to attack rather than sit deep were capable of creating chances.
Round of 16: Argentina 3-2 Egypt
Argentina’s most dramatic victory of the tournament came against Egypt.
The holders trailed 2-0 with only 11 minutes remaining and appeared to be heading out. Cristian Romero began the comeback in the 79th minute, Messi equalised four minutes later and Enzo Fernández headed the stoppage-time winner from Lautaro Martínez’s cross.
Messi had earlier missed a penalty but recovered to score and inspire one of the great late World Cup comebacks. Egypt’s goals had come through Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Ziko (who earlier had the goal of the tournament disallowed for a foul early in the move), while their goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir produced an outstanding performance before Argentina’s late pressure finally told.
The match demonstrated both sides of Argentina’s tournament. They looked vulnerable defensively and were close to elimination, but their experience, belief and attacking depth allowed them to escape.
Quarter-final: Argentina 3-1 Switzerland after extra time
Argentina again required extra time in the quarter-final.
Alexis Mac Allister gave them a first-half lead after meeting a Messi corner, but Dan Ndoye equalised for Switzerland in the 67th minute. The European side were subsequently reduced to ten men when Breel Embolo was sent off for a 2nd yellow for simulation following a video review.
Switzerland resisted until the 112th minute, when Julián Álvarez curled Argentina back in front. Lautaro Martínez then added a third goal in the closing moments to secure a 3-1 victory.
Messi did not score for the first time at this World Cup, but he supplied the assist for Mac Allister’s opener. Argentina reached the semi-final unbeaten, although for the third consecutive knockout match they had been forced into a difficult, emotionally draining contest.
Argentina’s tournament record
| Stage | Match | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Group J | Argentina v Algeria | 3-0 |
| Group J | Argentina v Austria | 2-0 |
| Group J | Argentina v Jordan | 3-1 |
| Round of 32 | Argentina v Cape Verde | 3-2 after extra time |
| Round of 16 | Argentina v Egypt | 3-2 |
| Quarter-final | Argentina v Switzerland | 3-1 after extra time |
Argentina have won all six matches, scoring 17 goals and conceding six.
Their group-stage record was comfortable, but all three knockout opponents have caused serious problems. Argentina have conceded five times in the knockout rounds and required extra time twice.
That makes their route very different from France’s controlled progress on the opposite side of the draw. Argentina have reached the semi-final through experience, individual quality and an extraordinary refusal to accept defeat.
England’s route to the semi-final
Group L
England 4-2 Croatia
England began their tournament with one of the most entertaining matches of the opening round.
Harry Kane scored twice, while Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford also found the net. Croatia replied through Martin Baturina and Ivan Perišić, but England’s attacking quality ultimately proved decisive. The victory demonstrated the strength of England’s forward options, although conceding twice also raised early questions about their defensive organisation.
England 0-0 Ghana
England’s second match was a sharp contrast to the opener. After scoring four against Croatia, Thomas Tuchel’s side were held to a goalless draw by Ghana. England struggled to break down a disciplined defence and were unable to create the same space that had been available against Croatia.
The result delayed confirmation of first place and provided a warning that England could become predictable when opponents defended in numbers.
England 2-0 Panama
England recovered in their final group fixture with a controlled 2-0 victory over Panama.
The result secured first place in Group L with seven points. England finished the group stage unbeaten, scoring six goals and conceding two.
Their position at the top of the section also provided what appeared to be a favourable first knockout fixture against Congo DR.
England in the knockout rounds
Round of 32: England 2-1 Congo DR
England’s first knockout match proved more difficult than expected.
Congo DR had already demonstrated their competitiveness by holding Portugal in the group stage and pushed England throughout the contest. Tuchel’s side eventually advanced 2-1, but the narrow scoreline suggested that the knockout phase would demand far more than had been required against Panama.
England progressed without extra time, yet it was another match in which they struggled to impose themselves consistently.
Round of 16: Mexico 2-3 England
England then faced co-hosts Mexico at the Aztec stadium in front of a highly partisan crowd.
The match developed into a five-goal thriller, with England eventually winning 3-2 despite finishing with ten men. Mexico twice threatened to turn the tie, but England showed resilience and enough attacking quality to protect their advantage.
It was a significant victory in difficult circumstances. England had to manage the pressure of the crowd, the loss of a player and a determined late Mexican push. That experience would prove useful when they faced another physically and emotionally demanding match in the quarter-final.
Quarter-final: Norway 1-2 England after extra time
England’s quarter-final against Norway was dominated by Jude Bellingham. Andreas Schjelderup gave Norway the lead in the first half after taking advantage of poor England defending. Bellingham equalised shortly before half-time with a super move and then scored again in extra time after goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland failed to deal cleanly with a shot from Rogers.
Norway also had a goal disallowed, while Erling Haaland was kept scoreless and eventually substituted as the heat, fatigue and a minor leg problem took their toll.
Bellingham’s two goals took him to six for the tournament, level with Kane, and carried England into their first World Cup semi-final since 2018. The performance was not fluent, and Tuchel publicly criticised some of England’s errors, but the team again found a way to survive.
England’s tournament record
| Stage | Match | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Group L | England v Croatia | 4-2 |
| Group L | England v Ghana | 0-0 |
| Group L | England v Panama | 2-0 |
| Round of 32 | England v Congo DR | 2-1 |
| Round of 16 | England v Mexico | 3-2 |
| Quarter-final | England v Norway | 2-1 after extra time |
England have won five and drawn one of their six matches, scoring 13 goals and conceding six.
Like Argentina, they have been tested repeatedly during the knockout rounds. England have won each knockout match by a single goal and needed extra time against Norway.
Their ability to survive difficult moments has been impressive, but they will need greater control against an Argentina side capable of punishing almost any defensive error.
Key players for Argentina
Lionel Messi
Messi remains the defining player of Argentina’s campaign.
He scored a hat-trick against Algeria, added another goal against Jordan and was central to the dramatic comeback against Egypt. Even when he failed to score against Switzerland, he created Mac Allister’s opening goal.
Messi enters the semi-final with eight tournament goals, level with Kylian Mbappé at the top of the scoring chart. Remarkably, this will be the first time he has faced England at senior international level.
At 39, he may no longer cover the same ground as earlier in his career, but Argentina structure their attack to ensure he receives the ball in the areas where he can still decide matches.
Julián Álvarez
Álvarez delivered the decisive moment against Switzerland, scoring a superb goal in the top right corner in extra time.
His movement and willingness to press provide an important contrast to Messi. He can stretch England’s centre-backs, attack the space behind their defence and create room for Messi to operate between midfield and attack.
His energy may be particularly important against an England side that has endured extra time and difficult conditions in its last match.
Enzo Fernández
Fernández scored the stoppage-time winner against Egypt and has become increasingly important as the tournament has progressed.
His passing helps Argentina control possession, while his ability to arrive in the penalty area provides an additional goal threat.
England must prevent him and Mac Allister from dictating the tempo around Messi.
Key players for England
Jude Bellingham
Bellingham has become England’s most important player during the knockout rounds.
His two goals against Norway took him to six for the tournament and demonstrated his ability to influence a match even when England are not playing well. He carries the ball through pressure, attacks the penalty area and provides the physicality to compete with Argentina’s midfield.
Harry Kane
Kane scored twice against Croatia and remains England’s central attacking reference point with 6 goals for the tournament.
His movement into deeper areas can create space for the attacking midfielders and wingers while his finishing and penalty-taking make him a threat even in matches where England create few chances.
Argentina’s centre-backs must decide whether to follow Kane away from the penalty area or allow him space to turn and combine with England’s midfield runners.
Bukayo Saka
Saka’s ability to receive the ball wide, beat his defender and move inside could be one of England’s best routes to goal.
Argentina’s full-backs can be vulnerable when isolated, particularly if their midfield is drawn towards Bellingham and Kane.
England will need Saka to be direct and decisive rather than simply helping them retain possession.
Where the semi-final could be decided
The central duel between England’s athletic midfield and Argentina’s technical experience may shape the contest.
England possess greater physical power through Bellingham and Declan Rice, while Argentina offer more control and craft through Messi, Fernández, Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul.
England must avoid allowing Messi to receive the ball between the midfield and defensive lines. If Rice steps too far forward, Messi could turn and attack the centre-backs. If England sit too deep, Argentina may be able to sustain pressure around the penalty area.
Argentina will face a different problem when Bellingham carries the ball forward. His ability to break through midfield and arrive late in the box has already transformed several England matches.
The condition of both teams may also matter. Argentina required extra time against Cape Verde and Switzerland and produced a draining comeback against Egypt. England played with ten men against Mexico and then endured extra time in intense Miami heat against Norway.
Substitutions could therefore become decisive. Argentina can introduce Lautaro Martínez, while England have Rashford, Eze and other attacking options capable of changing the pace of the match.
A rivalry that extends beyond football
Argentina against England is never an ordinary international fixture.
England beat Argentina in the 1966 World Cup quarter-final, a match remembered for Antonio Rattín’s controversial sending-off. Twenty years later, Maradona scored both the “Hand of God” goal and one of the greatest individual goals in World Cup history as Argentina eliminated England.
Argentina then won on penalties in 1998, while England gained a measure of revenge through David Beckham’s penalty in the 2002 group stage.
Political history, particularly the 1982 Falklands conflict, has also added sensitivity to the fixture, although both Scaloni and Messi have attempted to keep the focus on football.
This semi-final will be Messi’s first senior match against England and potentially his final opportunity to reach another World Cup final.
FISO verdict
Argentina enter the match with the stronger tournament record.
They have won all six games and possess the best individual player in Messi. Their ability to recover against Egypt and Switzerland has also demonstrated the mentality of reigning champions.
However, Argentina have looked vulnerable throughout the knockout phase. Cape Verde scored twice, Egypt led 2-0 and Switzerland forced extra time. England’s pace, physicality and attacking runners are capable of exploiting those weaknesses.
England have not been consistently convincing either. They were held by Ghana, struggled against Congo DR and needed extra time against Norway. Yet Bellingham’s form gives them a genuine match-winner alongside Kane and Saka.
The decisive question may be whether England can disrupt Messi without surrendering space to Álvarez and Argentina’s midfielders.
This looks likely to be tighter and more physical than France against Spain, with both teams carrying fatigue from demanding knockout routes.
FISO prediction: Argentina 2-1 England after extra time.