Lionel Messi’s Argentina will face England on Wednesday in one of the most anticipated matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a place in the final against Spain at stake.
The semi-final in Atlanta brings together two of football’s biggest rivals in their first competitive meeting since the 2002 World Cup. It also revives one of the sport’s most historic rivalries, shaped by memorable World Cup clashes and the political backdrop of the Falkland Islands, known in Argentina as the Malvinas.
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Reigning champions Argentina are chasing history. Lionel Scaloni’s side hopes to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup title. The tournament could also mark a remarkable farewell for Lionel Messi, who returned for another World Cup after leading Argentina to glory in Qatar in 2022.
The 39 year old captain has once again delivered on the biggest stage. Messi has scored eight goals, tying for the Golden Boot lead, and inspired Argentina through difficult knockout victories over Cape Verde and Egypt.
Tuchel confident as England prepare for historic test
England enter the match after an impressive tournament under Thomas Tuchel, although the team has often relied on moments of brilliance rather than complete performances.
Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have scored 12 of England’s 13 goals, carrying the Three Lions into another World Cup semi-final.
Tuchel insisted his players were embracing the occasion rather than fearing it.
“I don’t feel a burden,” he said. “We feel the tension and will be nervous but that is normal.”
He added, “What I like is that I feel the players are really competitive, hungry and excited to play this match.”
The England manager also confirmed that midfielder Declan Rice had recovered from illness and was fit to start.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni attempted to keep the focus away from politics despite the historical significance of the fixture.
“The reality is this is a football match,” Scaloni said.
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“I am not going to mix everything up, especially regarding things that happened so long ago.”
He added, “It was a very sad time in our history, and we can’t do much about it. This is a football game, that’s all.”
Spain await the winner after ending France’s title hopes
Spain booked their place in Sunday’s World Cup final after defeating France 2-0 in Arlington, ending Les Bleus’ hopes of winning a third World Cup title.
Mikel Oyarzabal converted a first half penalty before Pedro Porro doubled Spain’s advantage after the break. The victory extended Spain’s remarkable unbeaten run and confirmed their place in the final.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente praised his players after another dominant display.
“We started almost four years ago with an idea and we’ve been faithful to that idea and it’s brought us here,” he said.
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He added, “These players deserve everything. Day after day they’ve shown their commitment, their solidarity, their generosity, their talent. They make the difficult look easy.”
The winner of Wednesday’s clash between Argentina and England will advance to Sunday’s World Cup final in New Jersey, setting up a blockbuster showdown with Spain. For Messi, it represents another chance to cement his legendary career. For England, it offers the opportunity to reach a first World Cup final since lifting the trophy in 1966.
