Argentina’s record on the World Cup semifinal stage is enviable: every time they have reached the last four, the Albiceleste have gone on to book a place in the final. At the ongoing 2026 World Cup, Lionel Scaloni’s side have the chance to keep that run going.
Argentina secured their semifinal place by beating Switzerland 3-1 in extra time in the last quarterfinal in Kansas on Sunday (July 12). England, meanwhile, reached the last four by beating Norway 2-1. The two great rivals of the football world will meet on Wednesday at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Argentina take the field with two goals: reaching a second straight World Cup final, and protecting their perfect semifinal record.
1930: beat the USA 6-1. At the very first World Cup, Argentina reached the first final in history by beating the United States 6-1 in the semifinal.
1986: beat Belgium 2-0. Diego Maradona’s two goals beat Belgium at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico to send Argentina to the final, where they beat West Germany to win the World Cup for a second time.
1990: knocked out Italy on penalties. After finishing 1-1 with hosts Italy through normal and extra time, Argentina won the penalty shootout 4-3, with goalkeeper Sergio Goycochea the hero of the win.
2014: beat the Netherlands on penalties. After a goalless 120 minutes, Argentina won the shootout 4-2, with Sergio Romero’s brilliance taking the team back to a World Cup final after 24 years.
2022: beat Croatia 3-0. An outstanding performance from Lionel Messi and two goals from Julian Alvarez beat Croatia to send Argentina to the final, where the Albiceleste beat France to win the World Cup for a third time.
England next. At the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Argentina now face a tough test against England. Whether they can protect their perfect World Cup semifinal record and book another place in the final is now the question.
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