England vs Argentina: Bellingham and Messi Collide for a Final Spot

Updated 12 July 2026. Image AI-generated for illustrative purposes.

England vs Argentina: Argentina are the narrow pick over England in a FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal that revives one of football’s fiercest rivalries for the first time at a men’s World Cup since 2002. Both sides needed extra time to get here, England edging Norway 2-1 on Jude Bellingham’s late strike and Argentina seeing off Switzerland 3-1 despite Lionel Messi’s first goalless World Cup match since 2022. Kickoff is 3:00 pm ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta.

Team News: Rice a Minor Concern, Argentina Largely Fit

England have no major injuries to report going into Atlanta. Declan Rice was substituted at half-time against Norway, which raises a small fitness question, but nothing has been described as serious and Thomas Tuchel is expected to have a full squad to pick from. Jude Bellingham has been the story of England’s tournament, scoring braces against both Mexico and Norway to reach six goals, and arrives in the form of his life. Argentina, meanwhile, look largely fit after their extra-time win over Switzerland. Lionel Messi did not pick up any knocks despite the additional 30 minutes and remains the focal point of Lionel Scaloni’s side, even with his scoring streak over.

Past Meetings: A History Written in Knockout Drama

England and Argentina have met 14 times since 1951, five of those at the World Cup, and almost every one carries its own story. England won the group stage meeting 3-1 in 1962 and then a 1-0 quarterfinal as hosts in 1966. Argentina won the return leg in 1986, a 2-1 quarterfinal remembered for Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal and his “Goal of the Century” in the same match. The pair drew 2-2 in the 1998 Round of 16, with Argentina winning 4-3 on penalties, before England won a 1-0 group match in 2002. Their most recent match was a 2005 friendly that England won 3-2. This will be the sixth World Cup meeting between the two and the first since that 2002 group game.

England vs Argentina Preview: Argentina’s Knockout Pedigree Just Edges It

England have the tournament’s form player in Bellingham and the physical freshness that comes from being one of the co-hosts, but Argentina bring a knockout pedigree that is hard to look past, back-to-back extra-time wins and a squad built around a Messi who still creates even on a quiet night in front of goal. History leans the same way: Argentina have won both of the previous knockout meetings between these sides, 1986 and the 1998 penalty shootout, while England’s two World Cup wins both came in low-stakes group games. Expect a tight, cagey semifinal that may again go to extra time, with Argentina’s bench and their captain’s big-match temperament the difference in a match too close to be a rout either way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have England and Argentina played at a World Cup before?

Yes, five times. Their most recent World Cup meeting was a 1-0 England win in the 2002 group stage, and their most famous is the 1986 quarterfinal, remembered for Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal.

Did Lionel Messi score against Switzerland?

No, ending a run of scoring in nine consecutive World Cup matches, though Argentina still won 3-1 after extra time with Messi involved in both late goals.

Is Declan Rice injured for England against Argentina?

He is a minor fitness concern after being substituted at half-time against Norway, but nothing serious has been reported and he is expected to be available.

Sources: Wikipedia fixture record and ESPN team news coverage.