Los Leones defeated India 5-3 in Amstelveen and reached the Hockey World Cup semi-finals after the Netherlands and England drew 2-2. They face Germany on Friday from 15:30 Argentina time.
The two winners of the single-match semi-finals will meet for the Gold Cup. The women’s competition also has a confirmed decider, with Guaraní Antonio Franco defending their title against Brown.
Argentina trailed after Anthony Gordon’s goal, but Enzo Fernández equalised in the 85th minute from Lionel Messi’s assist and Lautaro Martínez scored the 2-1 winner in stoppage time. The champions will face Spain for the title.
Spain won 2-0 in Dallas through goals from Mikel Oyarzabal, from the penalty spot, and Pedro Porro. Luis de la Fuente’s side will play for the 2026 World Cup title against the winner of Argentina versus England.
Argentina’s coach explained why gatherings around the barbecue are part of building the group. During the tournament, shared meals, card games and conversation sustain a collective identity the national team values alongside tactical work.
Spain, France and England occupy three of the four semifinal places, while Argentina carry South America’s only remaining challenge. Lionel Scaloni’s side will face England hoping to repeat the resistance that ended with the title in Qatar 2022.
The 2026 World Cup semifinal has brought back a heated episode involving Argentina’s current coach and the former England star, when they represented Deportivo La Coruña and Real Madrid during a tense 2003/04 Spanish league match.
England’s German coach could become the first foreign manager to win a World Cup with another national team. The semifinal against Argentina places a tradition that has stood since 1930 back under the spotlight.
France coach Didier Deschamps described Spain as the favorite for Tuesday’s clash in Dallas, highlighted its recent run and tried to ease the burden on his own team before a demanding World Cup semifinal.
Spain lead the overall head-to-head record, but France retain several heavyweight victories in decisive matches. Tuesday’s meeting in Dallas brings together a European rivalry that has intensified in recent years and will now decide one of the World Cup finalists.
Argentina will face England on Wednesday 15 July at 4:00 pm Argentine time at Atlanta Stadium. Both teams reach the semi-final after needing extra time to win their quarter-final matches.