FIFA World Cup England vs Argentina: What to know ahead of second semifinal

Published 13 July 2026 · sports

Argentina and England meet at the World Cup for the sixth time, facing off in Wednesday’s semifinal in Atlanta. Defending champions Argentina face England in

Argentina and England meet at the World Cup for the sixth time, facing off in Wednesday’s semifinal in Atlanta. Defending champions Argentina face England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup‘s second semifinal on Wednesday, renewing one of football’s bitterest rivalries. From the controversial “Hand of God” goal by Diego Maradona in 1986 to David Beckham being red-carded for kicking Diego Simeone in 1998, England vs Argentina matches at the World Cup have never been devoid of drama. Come Wednesday, as the two teams meet again on the sport’s biggest stage after 24 years, a new chapter opens in their storied history. It marks the first time Argentina legend Lionel Messi will face England, who have their own heroes in Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. The winner of this semifinal will proceed to Sunday’s final, facing either France or Spain for a chance to be crowned the world champion again. What is the prediction for Argentina vs England? As of Monday, Opta’s supercomputer gives England a 38.9 percent probability of winning in regulation time, while Argentina’s chances of winning are 34.1 percent. The model estimates a 27-percent probability of the game going to extra time. Where will the England vs Argentina semifinal be played? England will play Argentina at Atlanta Stadium, commonly known as Mercedes-Benz Stadium, in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. It is the last of the seven World Cup matches held at this venue, which has a capacity of 68,239 for the tournament.

The stadium, boasting a retractable roof and a 360-degree halo video display, undoubtedly has the most space-age architecture of the 16 host cities. Argentina vs England: Head-to-head Overall, they have met 14 times in competitive and friendly matches. England lead the head-to-head record with six wins, while Argentina have three. Five games ended in a draw. Argentina vs England: Last 5 matches England 3-2 Argentina (international friendly, 2005) (international friendly, 2005) England 1-0 Argentina (World Cup 2002, group stage) (World Cup 2002, group stage) England 0-0 Argentina (international friendly, 2000) (international friendly, 2000) Argentina 2-2 England (4-3 on penalties, World Cup 1998, round of 16) (4-3 on penalties, World Cup 1998, round of 16) England 2-2 Argentina (Challenge Cup, 1991) Have Argentina and England ever played at the World Cup? Yes. England and Argentina have met five times at the FIFA World Cup. England have won three times, while Argentina have won twice. In their last World Cup meeting in 2002, England won that group game 1-0, with David Beckham scoring a first-half penalty. Full breakdown England 1-0 Argentina – 2002 2002 Argentina 2-2 England (4-3 on penalties) – 1998 (4-3 on penalties) – 1998 Argentina 2-1 England – 1986 1986 England 1-0 Argentina – 1966 1966 England 3-1 Argentina – 1962 Argentina and England: Trophies, medals Argentina are three-time World Cup winners (1978, 1986, 2022) and record 16-time champions of South America.