England and Argentina will rekindle one of international football’s fiercest rivalries when they clash in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday, with a place in the final at stake. The winners will advance to the championship match on July 19, where they will face either France or Spain, who contest the other semi-final in Texas.
Reigning champions Argentina booked their place in the last four after defeating Switzerland 3-1 following extra time in Kansas City. Alexis Mac Allister handed Lionel Scaloni’s side an early lead before Dan Ndoye equalised for the Swiss. With Switzerland reduced to 10 men after Breel Embolo’s controversial dismissal, Julián Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez struck in extra time to seal victory and keep Argentina’s hopes of retaining the World Cup alive. No nation has successfully defended the men’s World Cup title since Brazil achieved the feat in 1962.
England also needed extra time to reach the semi-finals, overcoming Norway 2-1 in Miami. Andreas Schjelderup gave Norway the lead before Jude Bellingham levelled just before half-time. The Real Madrid midfielder completed the comeback with the winner in extra time, sending Thomas Tuchel’s men into only their fourth World Cup semi-final.
The encounter revives a rivalry that stretches back decades, most memorably to the 1986 World Cup quarter-final in Mexico City. Argentina won that contest 2-1 through Diego Maradona’s unforgettable brace, which included the infamous “Hand of God” goal and a remarkable solo effort widely regarded as one of the greatest goals in World Cup history.
The fixture also carries historical significance beyond football because of the long-running sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands, known in Argentina as Las Malvinas. The islands were at the centre of the 1982 conflict after Argentine forces invaded the British-controlled territory before Britain regained control following a military campaign.
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Despite the history surrounding the contest, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni insisted the focus remains solely on football.
“The message is this is a football game. That’s what I can say,” Scaloni said.
“It is a football game and we will be playing against a very tough opponent. They have an excellent coach, and this is a football game and that’s all.”
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England manager Thomas Tuchel, however, was far from satisfied with his side’s display against Norway, admitting his players were fortunate to progress after a difficult evening in the Miami heat.
“We made life very, very difficult for ourselves today,” Tuchel said afterwards.
“The result is fantastic. The last four is amazing, but not happy with the performance… we were very lucky today.”
England’s victory was not without controversy. Bellingham’s first goal came after Norway argued that goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland’s clearance had struck an overhead camera cable before England launched the attack. Norway also had a goal ruled out, while FIFA later stated there was “no evidence” that the ball had made contact with the cable.
Norway coach Ståle Solbakken maintained the incident affected the game.
“That was unlucky for us,” Solbakken said. “The ball fell straight down from the sky, so it changed its direction. But we can’t do anything about that.”
Although Norway’s World Cup journey ended in the quarter-finals, captain Erling Haaland said the team’s historic run had inspired the next generation of players.
“How we put Norway on the map is maybe one thing that touches me the most,” said Haaland, who failed to score for the first time in 15 competitive international appearances.
“Hopefully now we can establish something when it comes to Euros, World Cups and everything because our generation is amazing and also all this gives motivation to young people back in Norway that it’s possible to play a big stage in the world with a Norwegian shirt.”
