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One of football’s fiercest and most historic rivalries will be renewed on Wednesday when Argentina and England meet in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals.
From Diego Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” and his unforgettable “Goal of the Century” in 1986 to Michael Owen’s dazzling solo effort and David Beckham’s controversial red card in 1998, every World Cup meeting between the two nations has produced unforgettable moments.
Wednesday’s clash will add another chapter to the storied rivalry as Argentina and England face each other for the sixth time in World Cup history.
Their previous World Cup meetings are:
- 1962 (Group stage): England 3-1 Argentina
- 1966 (Quarter-final): England 1-0 Argentina
- 1986 (Quarter-final): Argentina 2-1 England — remembered for Maradona’s “Hand of God” and “Goal of the Century”
- 1998 (Round of 16): Argentina 2-2 England (Argentina won 4-3 on penalties) — featuring Michael Owen’s brilliant solo goal and Beckham’s red card
- 2002 (Group stage): England 1-0 Argentina — Beckham scored the winner from the penalty spot
Overall, England have won three of the five previous World Cup encounters in regulation time, while Argentina have one outright victory and another win via a penalty shootout.
Although England hold the statistical edge, Argentina have emerged victorious in the rivalry’s two most memorable knockout matches. The 1986 quarter-final remains one of the most iconic games in football history, with Maradona’s controversial handball goal followed minutes later by a stunning solo effort widely regarded as the greatest goal ever scored in a World Cup.
The 1998 meeting was equally dramatic, with Owen’s spectacular goal, Beckham’s dismissal and Argentina eventually prevailing in a penalty shootout.
Wednesday’s semi-final is therefore more than just a battle for a place in the World Cup final. It is the latest installment in one of international football’s most intense and celebrated rivalries, with another memorable chapter waiting to be written.
