Spain is the first finalist of the 2026 World Cup. Luis de la Fuente's team has France defeated 2-0 in the first semifinal, securing the pass to the final act of the tournament. Oyarzabal's goals were decisive, on penalty kick, and Pedro Porro, which certified the collapse of the French battleship right at the most crucial moment. The Iberians thus return to play for the World Cup sixteen years after the 2010 triumph in South Africa. They do so with a young, brilliant and increasingly mature team, capable of extending their lead to 37 consecutive useful hits their undefeated streak. An impressive sign of consistency for a national team that, after the European title, is now aiming for the world title as well.
FranceInstead, it melted on the most important nightTheir attack, which had looked devastating throughout the tournament, produced just seven shots overall, only two of which were on target. Mbappé, Dembélé, Olise, Barcola, and Doué failed to make an impact, negated by Spain's possession, organization, and personality. De la Fuente's team didn't just win: they took away the pace, the pitch, and the ideas from one of the most anticipated national teams at the World Cup. They won as a team.
After the verdict of the first semi-final, the World Cup now awaits the name of the second finalist. This evening, at 21pm in Atlanta, England and Argentina face each other again after more than twenty years, reopening a rivalry A story that spans football, politics, and the collective memory of two countries. The Three Lions are chasing their first World Cup final since 1966, the year of their only title. The reigning champions, Albiceleste, are aiming to defend their trophy and continue an impressive tradition: they have never been eliminated in their five World Cup semifinals to date.
On one side Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, both already at six goals in the tournament, on the other hand Lionel Messi, once again at the center of everything, this time flanked by Julián Álvarez, with Lautaro Martínez destined for the bench. This will be the sixth meeting between England and Argentina in World Cup history. But reducing it to a simple statistic would be impossible. Each precedent has left behind images, controversies, and symbols that have remained etched in our memory well beyond the result.
England vs. Argentina: From the Falklands to the Hand of God, a rivalry beyond football
England-Argentina it's not just one of the great classics of world football. It is a challenge in which sport, politics and national identity have overlapped for decades. sports fracture it is traced back above all at the 1966 World CupIn the quarter-finals at Wembley, England won 1-0 in a tense match, marked by the dismissal of Argentine captain Antonio Rattín after a heated exchange with the referee. After the match, England manager Alf Ramsey called his opponents "animals," fueling a tension that was destined to last. The weight of the rivalry increased enormously. in 1982, when Argentina and the United Kingdom fought for the control of the Falkland Islands, called Malvinas by the Argentines. conflict lasted 74 days and left hundreds dead, as well as a wound still present in the collective memory of both countries.
Four years later, at the World Cup in Mexico, that tension transferred onto the pitch. In the quarter-finals Diego Armando Maradona scored first with the famous “Hand of God” and then he scored the “Goal of the Century”, starting from his own half and beating half the English team before placing the ball into the net. Argentina won 2-1 And that match became symbolic. Maradona later explained that, although he had said before the match that football had nothing to do with the war, the Argentine players felt the weight of what had happened in the Falklands and saw that victory as a revenge. The rivalry reignited in 1998, when Argentina eliminated England on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regular and extra time. The match was marked by theDavid Beckham's expulsion after the clash with Diego Simeone. Four years later, it was Beckham who got his revenge, scoring the penalty that gave England a 1-0 win in the group stage of the 2002 World Cup.
Since then, the two national teams have not met in a competitive match. Their last meeting was a November 2005 friendly, won 3-2 by England. The overall record favors the Three Lions, who have lost only two of their 14 matches against Argentina and are unbeaten in their last five.
Scaloni tried to reduce the weight of the anticipation: "It's just a football match. We'll be facing a tough opponent with an excellent coach, nothing else." This interpretation, however, doesn't erase the significance of the match.
England vs Argentina, two teams accustomed to suffering
England reached the semi-finals after winning their group and overcoming a much more complicated knockout stage. The Three Lions had to come back, suffer and push themselves to extra time, finding themselves in Jude Bellingham the decisive man in the most delicate moments. The midfielder has already scored six goals, the same as Harry Kane. And the first time in the history of the World Cup It's the first time a national team has had two of its players score at least six goals in the same season. Kane remains the attacking point of reference, while Bellingham has become the player capable of changing the face of matches. Behind them, Tuchel should continue to rely on Saka and Gordon, with Rice and Anderson tasked with ensuring balance.
Argentina arrives with six wins in as many matches and with the best attack of the tournament. The Albiceleste's path was also more difficult in the knockout stage, but Scaloni's team confirmed an almost inexhaustible capacity for stay in the games and resolve them in the final or in extra time. At the center of everything remains Lionel Messi, who scored eight goals and provided two assists. This will be the No. 10's first match against England: "I've played against everyone except them, so it'll be nice." Julián Álvarez should start alongside him, with Lautaro Martínez still a candidate to come on from the bench.
Even benches can make history. Tuchel could become the fourth coach to reach a World Cup final while leading a national team other than his home country. Scaloni, on the other hand, is seeking a second consecutive final. Tradition smiles on Argentina, who have come through all five of their World Cup semi-finals, but England arrive in Atlanta with a generation now accustomed to big nights.
England vs Argentina: probable lineups
Tuchel The 4-2-3-1 formation is expected to be maintained. Pickford will be the goalkeeper, with Reece James, Konsa, Guehi, and O'Reilly in defense. Anderson and Rice will form the midfield pairing, while Saka, Bellingham, and Gordon will operate behind Kane. Scaloni The club is expected to rely on a 4-1-3-2 formation. Dibu Martínez will defend the goal, with Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martínez, and Tagliafico in the back line. Paredes will be the defensive midfielder, supported by De Paul, Enzo Fernández, and Mac Allister. Messi and Julián Álvarez will be the attacking duo.
England (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Reece James, Konsa, Guehi, O'Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane. Coach Tuchel.
Argentina (4-1-3-2): Emiliano Martínez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Tagliafico; Paredes; De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Mac Allister; Messi, Julian Álvarez. Coach Scaloni.
England vs Argentina will be played this evening at 21pm Italian time at Atlanta StadiumThe semi-final will be broadcast live on free-to-air TV on Rai 1 and on DaznThe match can also be streamed via RaiPlay.
La race direction has been entrusted American Ismail Elfath will be assisted by his compatriots Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins. The fourth official will be Italian Maurizio Mariani, with Daniele Bindoni serving as reserve assistant.
Spain is waiting to find out who their opponents will be in the final.
