Forty years after one of the most iconic encounters in World Cup history, England and Argentina are set to face off once again, this time with a place in the 2026 final at stake.
The two nations booked their spots in Wednesday’s semi-final after overcoming Norway and Switzerland respectively in hard-fought quarter-final contests. For Argentina, victory in Atlanta would keep alive their dream of becoming the first side since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup trophy. England, meanwhile, are chasing a first major international title since lifting the World Cup on home soil in 1966.
The clash inevitably revives memories of the quarter-final meeting between the countries at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, where Diego Maradona inspired Argentina to a 2-1 victory with two unforgettable goals. One, the infamous “Hand of God”, remains among football’s most controversial moments, while the other is widely regarded as one of the greatest goals in the history of the tournament.
For Lionel Messi, often seen as Maradona’s successor, the match will mark his 206th appearance for Argentina but his first-ever outing against England in international football. The occasion also carries political undertones due to the long-running dispute between Britain and Argentina over the Falkland Islands, known in Argentina as the Malvinas.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni, however, sought to distance the contest from politics following his side’s 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland. Goals from Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez secured Argentina’s passage after a tense battle in Kansas City.
“This is a football game,” Scaloni said. “We are facing a very strong opponent with an excellent coach, and that is all there is to it.”
England also needed extra time to reach the last four, edging Norway 2-1 in difficult conditions in Miami. Jude Bellingham was the hero for Thomas Tuchel’s side, scoring twice to overturn Andreas Schjelderup’s first-half opener and send England into only their fourth World Cup semi-final.
Despite the result, Tuchel admitted his team had fallen short of expectations and warned that a much-improved display would be required against Argentina.
England’s equaliser was not without controversy, as Norwegian players argued that goalkeeper Orjan Nyland’s clearance had struck an overhead camera cable before the move that led to Bellingham’s goal. FIFA later stated there was no evidence to support the claim, but Norway coach Stale Solbakken insisted the ball had changed direction.
Norway’s exit also brought an end to an impressive campaign led by Erling Haaland, who failed to score for the first time in 15 international appearances. The striker said the team’s run had inspired a new generation of Norwegian footballers and laid the foundation for future success.
Awaiting the winner in the final will be either France or Spain, who meet in Tuesday’s second semi-final in Texas.
