Argentina had just beaten Switzerland in extra time, and already Albiceleste manager Lionel Scaloni was focused on his next mission: Keep the temperature down as Argentina heads into a 2026 World Cup semifinal with England.
βItβs a soccer match,β Scaloni said, downplaying the historic rivalry. The two nations have met in the World Cup knockout stages twice before: in 1986, when Diego Maradona scored the infamous 'Hand of God' goal and a stunning solo effort in a 2-1 quarterfinal win for Argentina, and in 1998, when David Beckham was sent off in a 2-2 draw that Argentina won on penalties in the round of 16.
Argentina, the defending champion after winning the 2022 World Cup, will rely on Lionel Messi, who has scored 5 goals in the tournament so far. England, led by Harry Kane with 4 goals, seeks its first final since 1966. The match is scheduled for July 15, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
