2026 FIFA WORLD CUP 2ND SEMI-FINAL: Argentina aims to retain title, as England seeks 2nd title In 60 years

2026 FIFA WORLD CUP 2ND SEMI-FINAL: Argentina aims to retain title, as England seeks 2nd title In 60 years

By Akeem Busari 

The second semi-final match of the 2026 World Cup between defending champions, Argentina and 1966 winners England, is sure to throw up so much excitement, intensity and whipped up sentiments as matches between both countries are often marked by controversial incidents. 

The first encounter between both countries was a friendly game played in 1951 and with England winning 2-1.

Ahead of this must-win game, the last meeting between the two countries was a friendly game in 2005, won by England 3-2.

Away from the pitches, the rivalry between the two countries was further heightened by the political war over the Falkland Island war.

And then the unending controversies of the 1986 World Cup match where late football icon Diego Maradona was alleged to have flicked the ball with his hand into the net. 

This encounter has all the expected trappings of a big game. And with mercurial Lionel Messi leading the charge of Argentina to retain the trophy, captain Harry Kane would want to lead England to a second ever title since 1966.

The winner of this duel is set to face 2010 winners Spain who defeated France 2-0, in the first semi-final, in the grand the final on Sunday.