One of the most anticipated games of the FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to unfold in Atlanta, with Argentina and England renewing their historic rivalry in a knockout showdown, where a finalist will be decided. Both teams are heading into the high-stakes semi-final after enjoying a dominant campaign. The fixture, which will attract a huge crowd to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, will be headlined by two of the best players of this generation— Lionel Messi and Harry Kane.
The two nations have faced off in the FIFA World Cup knockouts on several occasions in the past, and each of those fixtures deserves a place in the history books, not only for high-octane on-field action, but also for some controversial events. From Diego Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” in 1986 to David Beckham’s red card in 1998, the England vs Argentina rivalry has delivered multiple controversial yet memorable moments over the decades.
England vs Argentina: How many times have the two rivals met at the FIFA World Cup?
Argentina and England have played five FIFA World Cup matches against each other, including three in the knockouts, with their first meeting dating back to 1962. The Three Lions have a dominant head-to-head record against the South Americans, having defeated them in three World Cup matches. The last time they met was in the group stage of the 2002 edition.
England vs Argentina FIFA World Cup Controversies
Here are historic FIFA World Cup controversies from England vs Argentina rivalry:
“Animal” Incident, 1966
England overcame Argentina to reach the semi-finals of the 1966 FIFA World Cup. The match was marred by the red card of the then-Argentine captain Antonio Rattin, who refused to leave the field and occupied the red carpet reserved for the Queen for ten minutes. After England won 1-0, their manager labelled Argentine players as “animals”.
Diego Maradona’s “Hand Of God”, 1986
Argentina defeated England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final, with Diego Maradona registering a brace. His first goal, however, sparked widespread controversy as he punched the ball into the net, giving birth to the famous “Hand of God”. Later in the match, he pulled off a brilliant solo effort to score the “Goal of the Century”.
David Beckham’s Red Card, 1998
In a Round of 16 fixture, David Beckham was shown a red card for a foul on Argentina’s Diego Simeone in the second half. Though the Three Lions won the knockout game on penalties, Beckham’s send-off became the talk of the town.
