England and Argentina renew historic rivalry in World Cup semi-final

By Sanjay Menon — 13 July 2026 — 4 min read

England and Argentina are set to face each other in a World Cup semi-final match in Atlanta, renewing a rivalry that spans generations. This encounter marks the first time Lionel Messi will play against England in his career, as the defending world champions aim to reach the final. The rivalry between the two nations is deeply rooted, extending beyond the football pitch to include political tensions, particularly from the 1980s Falklands War, which is still referenced in football songs by Argentina fans.

The history between these two footballing powerhouses includes iconic moments, controversies, and red cards. Despite the intensity of the rivalry, England holds a lead in the five World Cup matches played between the sides. For many younger generations, the last World Cup meeting in 2002 means the full extent of this rivalry might be unfamiliar.

Early Encounters and Growing Tensions

The first World Cup match between England and Argentina took place in 1962 in Rancagua, Chile, during the group stage. England secured a 3-1 victory with goals from Ron Flowers, Bobby Charlton, and Jimmy Greaves, while Argentina managed a late consolation goal. Both teams finished the group stage with similar records, but England advanced to the quarter-finals due to a superior goal difference, where they were subsequently eliminated by Brazil.

Four years later, in 1966, the rivalry intensified significantly during their quarter-final clash at Wembley. England won 1-0, a result that Argentina still disputes, claiming Geoff Hurst’s winning goal was offside. The match was marred by controversy when Argentina captain Antonio Rattin was sent off after just 33 minutes for two offences. He initially tripped Bobby Charlton and then argued with German referee Rudolf Kreitlein, leading to an eight-minute delay as Rattin refused to leave the pitch.

England manager Alf Ramsey famously described the Argentine side as ‘animals’ after the ill-tempered affair and prevented his players from swapping shirts. This match is also believed to have influenced the introduction of red and yellow cards, which were first used in the 1970 World Cup. Rattin, who played for Argentina from 1959 to 1969, passed away at the age of 89 on Saturday.

The Hand of God and Beckham’s Redemption

The 1986 World Cup quarter-final in Mexico City remains one of the most memorable and controversial matches between the two nations. Played just four years after the Falklands War, political tensions were high. Diego Maradona scored two goals for Argentina, the first famously known as ‘The Hand of God,’ where he punched the ball past England goalkeeper Peter Shilton. Four minutes later, Maradona scored what is often considered one of the greatest World Cup goals, dribbling past multiple England players.

Gary Lineker scored a late goal for England, but it was not enough, and Argentina advanced, eventually winning the trophy. Maradona did not apologise for the ‘Hand of God’ goal until 2005, an apology that Shilton rejected. The match highlighted the deep-seated animosity between the two countries, with both the Argentine and British media using nationalistic language to frame the encounter.

The 1998 World Cup last 16 match in St Etienne, France, was another dramatic encounter. It is widely remembered for David Beckham’s red card after he kicked out at Diego Simeone. Before this incident, Gabriel Batistuta and Alan Shearer exchanged penalties, and Michael Owen scored a remarkable solo goal to give England a 2-1 lead. However, Javier Zanetti equalised for Argentina before half-time. Despite Sol Campbell’s disallowed header in the 81st minute, England bravely held on with 10 men, but Argentina ultimately won 4-3 in a penalty shootout.

In 2002, England and Argentina met again in the group stage in Sapporo, Japan, a match seen as redemption for David Beckham. The then-England captain scored the only goal from a penalty after Michael Owen was fouled by Mauricio Pochettino. This crucial 1-0 victory helped England progress from the group stage, while Argentina was eliminated before the knockouts for the first time since 1962. England went on to beat Denmark in the last 16 but were knocked out by Brazil in the quarter-finals.

The upcoming semi-final in Atlanta will mark the first meeting between the two national teams in 21 years.

Source: bbc.com