KANSAS CITY, Missouri, July 12, 2026 – England has secured a place in the World Cup semi-finals after a hard-fought 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway. The win sets up a highly anticipated match against old rivals and reigning champions Argentina, adding another chapter to one of the tournament's most enduring rivalries.

England's journey to the last four marks their second semi-final appearance in the past three World Cups, having previously been eliminated by Croatia in extra time during the 2018 tournament in Russia. Their sole World Cup final appearance was in 1966, when they won the trophy on home soil.

Coach Thomas Tuchel highlighted the team's resilience as a defining trait, noting their ability to come from behind twice during the knockout stages to keep their hopes alive. "To overcome adversity and find ways to win is on the absolutely highest level," Tuchel said. However, he also emphasized that there is room for improvement: "We found a way, we're in the last four, which is the most important thing. But I still think we can and have to play better football."

The historical rivalry between England and Argentina at the World Cup is rich with memorable moments. The teams have met five times previously: England won in 1962 and 1966, before Diego Maradona's infamous "Hand of God" goal and solo effort led Argentina to victory in 1986. Argentina edged out England on penalties in the 1998 last-16 match, a game remembered for Michael Owen's remarkable goal and David Beckham's red card. Beckham later scored the winning goal in England's 1-0 group-stage victory over Argentina in 2002 in Japan.

England's players have been praised for their refusal to accept defeat and their relentless effort. "They just refuse to give in. They just refuse to accept a defeat," and "They overcome setbacks. They put a shift in. There is not one 1 per cent complaint about that," according to observations from the tournament.

As England prepares for the semi-final showdown against Argentina, the team aims to move within one win of ending a 60-year wait for another World Cup final appearance.

Sources