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England on collision course with Messi and Argentina in World Cup semi-final grudge match
England have reached the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup, setting up a hotly anticipated clash with reigning champions Argentina and Lionel Messi in Atlanta on Wednesday. The match, billed as one of international football's biggest grudge games, will be the first competitive meeting between the two nations since the 2002 World Cup, and pits Thomas Tuchel's side against a 39-year-old Messi who is probably playing in his final tournament, with a place in the final against France or Spain at stake.
England secured their spot with a 2-1 extra-time victory over Erling Haaland's Norway in Miami, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice, including the winner. His first-half equaliser was mired in controversy after replays suggested a Norway goal-kick had struck an overhead television cable, though Fifa said a sensor in the ball showed no contact. Tuchel drew criticism from Bellingham after describing his team as "lucky", with the Real Madrid star questioning the manager's playing experience; Tuchel became only the fourth England men's manager to reach the World Cup semi-finals, after Alf Ramsey, Bobby Robson and Gareth Southgate.
Explained simply
England have reached the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup by defeating Norway in extra time. They now face Argentina, the reigning World Cup champions, in a match set for Atlanta on Wednesday.
This will be the first competitive meeting between England and Argentina since the 2002 World Cup. Argentina's team includes Lionel Messi, the 39-year-old player who is likely playing in his final World Cup tournament.
The winner will progress to the World Cup final against either France or Spain. The match carries high stakes for both nations as they compete for a place in the tournament's final.