What time do Argentina and England play for the 2026 World Cup?

The stage is set for a high-stakes World Cup 2026 semifinal clash as Argentina and England prepare to battle on Wednesday, July 15. The winner will earn a spot in the final on Sunday, July 19, where they will meet Spain for the championship title in New York/New Jersey. The loser will compete for third place against France in Miami.

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Argentina and England will define this Wednesday, July 15, the second finalist of the 2026 World Cup, who will face Spain next Sunday, July 19, for the championship title.

This matchup is steeped in history, marking the sixth time these two footballing giants will face each other in the World Cup. England has a slight advantage in their head-to-head record, with three wins, one draw (won by Argentina on penalties), and one loss against Argentina in their previous five encounters.

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Argentina and England have a spicy history.

The rivalry's intensity was palpable in their 1966 quarterfinal meeting, where England secured a 1-0 victory at Wembley. That match is famously remembered for the controversial expulsion of Argentine captain Antonio Rattín, who famously refused to leave the field and later sat on the Queen's carpet, clutching an English pennant. The tension was so high that England's manager, Alf Ramsey, reportedly forbade his players from exchanging shirts and later described the Argentine players as "animals."

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The most remembered episode was the expulsion of captain Antonio Rattín (who passed away last Saturday, July 11), who refused to leave, red cards did not exist yet, and spent a few minutes on the field.

Argentina's most celebrated World Cup victory against England came on June 22, 1986, in Mexico City's iconic Azteca Stadium. Diego Maradona etched his name in football lore with two legendary goals: the "Hand of God" and the "Goal of the Century." More recently, in the 2002 World Cup group stage, David Beckham's penalty secured a 1-0 win for England.

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The most remembered match occurred on Sunday, June 22, 1986, in Mexico at the mythical Azteca, won by Argentina 2-1 with the 'Hand of God' and the 'Goal of the Century,' scored by Diego Maradona.