England and Argentina are set to clash in one of the biggest rivalries in international football — the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final. This will be the sixth meeting between the two nations at the tournament, reviving memories of controversial moments, iconic goals, and high-stakes drama.

The Three Lions advanced with a 2-1 win over Norway, while defending champions Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1. With a place in the final on the line, fans are eagerly revisiting the rich England vs Argentina World Cup history.

England vs Argentina H2H Record in FIFA World Cups

England hold a slight statistical edge overall, but Argentina have dominated in knockout stages.

Note: Penalty shootouts are recorded as draws in official statistics.

All England vs Argentina FIFA World Cup Results

Key Statistics: England vs Argentina at World Cups

1962 & 1966: England Dominate Early Encounters

The first meeting came in the 1962 World Cup in Chile. England won 3-1 in the group stage, with goals from Ron Flowers (penalty), Bobby Charlton, and Jimmy Greaves. Jose Sanfilippo scored for Argentina. This remains England’s biggest World Cup win over the South Americans.

Four years later, tension escalated in the 1966 World Cup quarter-final at Wembley. Geoff Hurst’s solitary goal secured a 1-0 victory in a fiery match that saw Argentina captain Antonio Rattin sent off. England went on to win the tournament on home soil — their only World Cup title to date.

1986 World Cup: Maradona’s Magic and the ‘Hand of God’

The rivalry reached legendary status in the 1986 quarter-final in Mexico. Diego Maradona inspired Argentina to a 2-1 victory with two unforgettable goals:

• The infamous “Hand of God” (his first).
• The “Goal of the Century” — a mesmerizing solo run past five England players.

Gary Lineker pulled one back, but Argentina advanced and eventually won the World Cup. Notably, the winner of this quarter-final went on to lift the trophy — just as England had in 1966.

1998 World Cup: Penalty Heartbreak for England

France 1998 delivered another classic Round of 16 thriller. The match ended 2-2 after extra time, with goals from Gabriel Batistuta (pen), Alan Shearer (pen), Michael Owen (brilliant solo effort), and Javier Zanetti. David Beckham was sent off after a clash with Diego Simeone.

Argentina won 4-3 on penalties, eliminating England in dramatic fashion.

2002 World Cup: Beckham’s Redemption

In the 2002 group stage in Sapporo, David Beckham got revenge for 1998. He scored the only goal from the penalty spot, securing a 1-0 win for England. The result helped England progress while Argentina crashed out at the group stage. This remains the last World Cup meeting between the sides.

Who Holds the Advantage Ahead of 2026 Semi-Final?

England boast the better overall record (3 wins, 8 goals), but Argentina have the edge in knockout football, having knocked England out twice (1986 and 1998).

As the two former champions prepare for their sixth World Cup encounter in the 2026 semi-final, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Will England extend their head-to-head dominance, or will Argentina continue their knockout supremacy?

This storied rivalry has delivered some of the greatest moments in football history, expect another unforgettable chapter when they meet in the last four.