Both sides will meet for the first time in a competitive match since 2002 World Cup
The blockbuster clash brings together two of football’s biggest nations, with Argentina aiming to continue their title defence under Messi’s leadership and England looking to reach another World Cup final.
Meanwhile, Spain booked their place in the final four after defeating France, eliminating the reigning champions’ hopes of adding another World Cup trophy to their collection.
The clash between two of the biggest names in world football is already a highly anticipated contest, but the fixture carries extra intensity due to the long-running political tensions between the two nations.
The historic rivalry adds another layer of drama to the World Cup semi-final, with fans around the world eagerly awaiting a match that goes beyond football.
Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina are aiming to make history by becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive World Cups, a remarkable achievement that would mark a fitting farewell for football legend Lionel Messi.
Messi, who is among the joint top scorers of the tournament with eight goals, led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022 in what was widely expected to be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage. However, the 39-year-old has returned for another campaign and has once again played a decisive role in guiding his team to the semi-finals, scoring in Argentina’s hard-fought wins over Cape Verde and Egypt.
The three-time champions will face a tougher challenge in Atlanta against England, who have shown flashes of brilliance throughout the tournament. Thomas Tuchel’s side have largely depended on the attacking impact of captain Harry Kane and midfielder Jude Bellingham, who have contributed 12 of England’s 13 goals.
The semi-final will be the first competitive meeting between Argentina and England since the 2002 World Cup.
Tuchel said he was not feeling additional pressure despite the historic importance of the match, with England chasing their first World Cup final appearance since lifting the trophy in 1966.
“I don’t feel a burden,” Tuchel said. “We feel the tension and will be nervous, but that is normal.”
The England manager added that the squad remained highly motivated and competitive ahead of the crucial encounter. He also confirmed that midfielder Declan Rice, who had been dealing with illness, was fit to start.
A rivalry filled with drama
The history between Argentina and England is packed with memorable moments. Their most famous World Cup meeting came in the 1986 quarter-finals in Mexico, where Diego Maradona scored twice in Argentina’s 2-1 victory, including the controversial “Hand of God” goal and a stunning solo effort.
In the 1998 World Cup, David Beckham was sent off as Argentina eventually defeated England on penalties.
The rivalry has also been shaped by the long-standing dispute over the Falkland Islands, known as the Malvinas in Argentina. Tensions escalated after Argentina’s 1982 invasion of the islands, which led Britain to send a military task force to reclaim them.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has attempted to reduce the political focus surrounding the match, insisting that the contest should be viewed purely as a football encounter.
“This is a football match,” Scaloni said, adding that historical events should not overshadow the game.
Both teams, ranked among FIFA’s top four sides, are competing for a place in Sunday’s final against Spain in New Jersey.
Spain secured their place in the final after defeating France with a commanding display in Arlington, Texas. The European champions ended France’s hopes of winning a third World Cup title, with Luis de la Fuente’s side producing a clinical performance.
Mikel Oyarzabal scored from the penalty spot in the first half before Pedro Porro doubled Spain’s advantage after the break.
“We started almost four years ago with an idea and we’ve been faithful to that idea,” De la Fuente said, praising his players for their commitment, teamwork and talent throughout the tournament.
