Argentina faces England in World Cup semi-final amid rich rivalry
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 12, 2026, 10:10 AM
Last updated Jul 12, 2026
Argentina and England meet on July 12, 2026, in the World Cup semi-final in Atlanta. This marks Lionel Messi's first encounter against England in his career, as Argentina aims to defend their title. The rivalry, dating back to 1962, has included historic matches and significant political undertones, such as references to the Falklands War. England leads the overall head-to-head in World Cup meetings but has not triumphed in a crucial match since 2002. BBC Sport revisits the intense history between the two teams leading up to this critical contest.
- •Match scheduled for July 12, 2026, in Atlanta.
- •Lionel Messi plays England for the first time in his career.
- •England leads the World Cup rivalry head-to-head.
- •Political tensions have historically influenced matches.
- •Last World Cup meeting between the teams was in 2002.
- 10:21 AMYahoo Sports — 'Animals', Hand of God and Beckham - Argentina and England's World Cup rivalry
- 10:10 AMBBC Sport — 'Animals', Hand of God and Beckham - Argentina and England's World Cup rivalry
"As England and Argentina prepare to go head-to-head in Wednesday's World Cup semi-final, BBC Sport looks at their footballing rivalry.
"As England and Argentina prepare to go head-to-head in Wednesday's World Cup semi-final, BBC Sport looks at their footballing rivalry.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 12, 2026, 10:21 AM'Animals', Hand of God and Beckham - Argentina and England's World Cup rivalry
As England and Argentina prepare to go head-to-head in Wednesday's World Cup semi-final, BBC Sport looks at their footballing rivalry.
- BBC SportJul 12, 2026, 10:10 AM'Animals', Hand of God and Beckham - Argentina and England's World Cup rivalry
As England and Argentina prepare to go head-to-head in Wednesday's World Cup semi-final, BBC Sport looks at their footballing rivalry.
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