Argentina and England will open a sixth World Cup chapter in the 2026 semi-final. Their five previous meetings were spread across four decades and created a rivalry that goes beyond the numbers: every match left an image, a controversy or a consequence that became part of World Cup memory.
Their first meeting came in the group stage at Chile 1962. England won 3-1 and took the early lead in the World Cup series. Four years later, in the quarter-finals of England 1966, the hosts prevailed again, this time 1-0 at Wembley, in a match marked by the sending-off of Argentina captain Antonio Rattín.
Argentina answered at Mexico 1986. At the Estadio Azteca, Carlos Bilardo’s team won 2-1 in the quarter-finals through two Diego Maradona goals: the first became known as the “Hand of God”, while the second was the run football immortalised as the “Goal of the Century”. Argentina advanced and went on to win their second world title.
Twelve years later, at France 1998, the teams met again in the round of 16. The match finished 2-2 even after extra time, and Argentina won the penalty shootout 4-3. It remains the only draw in the series and the second time Argentina eliminated England in a direct knockout tie.
The most recent meeting took place at Korea/Japan 2002, again in the group stage. England won 1-0 and increased their statistical advantage. Before the 2026 semi-final, the five-match record stands at three English wins, one Argentine victory and one draw, with eight goals for England and five for Argentina.
The numbers, however, tell only part of the story. In knockout meetings, Argentina advanced twice and England once. The new semi-final will put the two national teams face to face for the first time with an immediate place in the final at stake: history fuels the anticipation, but the sixth match must write its own chapter.
