13/07/2026 22:58 - Deportes
Hope and respect mark the days leading up to the highly anticipated 2026 World Cup duel.
The global soccer scene turns its eyes to Atlanta, where on July 15, 2026 at 4:00 PM, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Argentina and England will face each other in the 2026 World Cup semifinals. In a press conference, the English goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, addressed the possibility of saving a penalty from the Argentine superstar, Lionel Messi, assuring that he does not fear the challenge, demonstrating the confidence reigning in the English squad ahead of the clash.
This match marks a special milestone, as it will be the first time Messi (39 years old) plays against England with the senior national team, after more than two decades of an illustrious career. The Argentine captain arrives in spectacular form, having scored 8 goals in the tournament and accumulating 21 goals in World Cups throughout his career.
Argentina reached this stage after defeating Switzerland 3-1 in extra time, with goals from Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, and Alexis Mac Allister. For its part, England beat Norway 2-1 with a brace from their star, Jude Bellingham. In the English camp, although optimism is in the air, there are reported internal tensions between manager Thomas Tuchel and Bellingham over the team's performance. However, striker Harry Kane backed the coach and was self-critical, stating that England seeks its first World Cup title in six decades.
A fun fact that excites Argentine fans: FIFA confirmed that Argentina will wear its blue and black away jersey. This garment brings unforgettable memories, as historic victories against the English occurred wearing it in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico (2-1, famous for Diego Maradona's legendary performance) and the 1998 World Cup in France (4-3 on penalties). The World Cup defeats against England (1966 and 2002) occurred, on the other hand, while wearing the traditional light blue and white jersey. Claudia Villafañe (Maradona's former wife) even revealed unprecedented details of the garment worn by Diego Maradona in 1986, which was obtained urgently and sewn by hand by employees at the team's concentration hotel.
The previous history in World Cups shows an even and exciting clash. In 5 matches played, England has 3 victories, Argentina 1, and 1 draw (where Argentina advanced on penalties). Lionel Scaloni, the Argentine coach, asked to separate politics and the history of the Falklands (Malvinas) conflict from the sporting event. To ensure security, an unprecedented police operation was established in Atlanta, and the Argentine government reinforced migration controls to prevent 'barras bravas' (Argentine soccer hooligans) from traveling to the United States.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
