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‘Animals’, Hand of God and Beckham – Argentina and England’s World Cup rivalry
England squad
- Full squad
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1 Jordan PICKFORD Goalkeeper
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2 Ezri KONSA Defender
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3 Nico OREILLY Defender
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4 Declan RICE Midfielder
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5 John STONES Defender
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6 Marc GUEHI Defender
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7 Bukayo SAKA Forward
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8 Elliot ANDERSON Midfielder
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9 Harry KANE Forward
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10 Jude BELLINGHAM Midfielder
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11 Marcus RASHFORD Forward
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12 Trevoh CHALOBAH Defender
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13 Dean Henderson Goalkeeper
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14 Jordan HENDERSON Midfielder
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15 Dan BURN Defender
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16 Kobbie MAINOO Midfielder
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17 Morgan ROGERS Midfielder
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18 Anthony GORDON Forward
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19 Ollie WATKINS Forward
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20 Noni MADUEKE Forward
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21 Eberechi EZE Midfielder
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22 Ivan TONEY Forward
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23 James TRAFFORD Goalkeeper
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24 Reece JAMES Defender
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25 Djed SPENCE Defender
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26 Jarell QUANSAH Defender
Argentina squad
- Full squad
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1 Juan MUSSO Goalkeeper
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2 Marcos SENESI Defender
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3 Nicolas TAGLIAFICO Defender
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4 Gonzalo MONTIEL Defender
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5 Leandro PAREDES Midfielder
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6 Lisandro MARTINEZ Defender
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7 Rodrigo DE PAUL Midfielder
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8 Valentin BARCO Midfielder
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9 Julian ALVAREZ Forward
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10 Lionel MESSI Forward
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11 Giovani Lo Celso Midfielder
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12 Geronimo RULLI Goalkeeper
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13 Cristian ROMERO Defender
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14 Exequiel PALACIOS Midfielder
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15 Nico GONZALEZ Midfielder
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16 Thiago ALMADA Forward
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17 Giuliano SIMEONE Forward
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18 Nico PAZ Forward
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19 Nicolas OTAMENDI Defender
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20 Alexis MAC ALLISTER Midfielder
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21 Jose Manuel LOPEZ Forward
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22 Lautaro MARTINEZ Forward
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23 Emiliano MARTINEZ Goalkeeper
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24 Enzo FERNANDEZ Midfielder
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25 Facundo MEDINA Defender
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26 Nahuel MOLINA Defender
The footballing history between England and Argentina spans six decades beginning in 1962, with England maintaining an edge in their five World Cup encounters. Their relationship intensified significantly during a contentious 1966 quarter-final at Wembley, which descended into aggressive play and severe disciplinary breaches, an incident now regarded as influential in football's eventual adoption of formal card systems.
The rivalry carries dimensions beyond athletics, rooted in geopolitical tensions from the 1980s Falkland War that Argentine supporters continue invoking through football contexts. England, managed by Thomas Tuchel, seeks to end a 60-year title drought against Argentina's defending champions featuring Messi. For younger supporters from both nations, the 2026 semi-final represents a moment shaped as much by national history as sporting competition.
In short
- England and Argentina meet in the 2026 World Cup semi-final; England holds a 3-2 historical advantage across five previous meetings between the nations
- Their 1966 quarter-final at Wembley descended into violence and disputed refereeing decisions, widely considered a catalyst for football's adoption of red and yellow cards
- Beyond sport, Falkland War-era political tensions continue shaping the rivalry, with Argentine supporters referencing the conflict through football commentary
Explained simply
England and Argentina have been footballing rivals for over 60 years, beginning in 1962. Across their five World Cup meetings, England has generally had the better record, though their 1966 quarter-final at Wembley is remembered for its aggressive play and rule-breaking that ultimately influenced how the sport is governed today.
The rivalry carries layers beyond sport due to geopolitical history. In the 1980s, Britain and Argentina were at war over the Falkland Islands, and Argentine supporters continue to invoke this conflict when their teams meet on the football pitch. For many fans, national sporting contests are intertwined with these historical tensions.
Argentina hold the current World Cup title and feature Messi, whilst England, managed by Thomas Tuchel, are seeking to end their 60-year wait for a World Cup victory. For younger supporters from both sides, their sporting encounters represent something shaped as much by national history as by the game itself.