With Wednesday’s hugely anticipated 2026 World Cup semi-final clash firmly on the horizon, BetVictor News takes a closer look at the overall England vs Argentina H2H record.
Thomas Tuchel’s side came from behind to beat Norway 2-1 in extra-time on Saturday after man-of-the-moment Jude Bellingham fired home his second successive World Cup knockout stage brace. Something of which a certain Diego Maradona achieved in 1986.
As for La Albiceleste, the reigning champions also needed an extra 30 minutes to see off Switzerland. Julian Alvaraz and Lautaro Martinez scored in each half to help claim an eventual 3-1 win. And now, two of international football’s biggest rivals will get to go toe-to-toe with a place in the 2026 finale up for grabs.
Have England And Argentina Ever Played Each Other At The World Cup?
England and Argentina have played each other five times at the World Cup. As it stands, the Three Lions lead with three wins compared to La Albiceleste’s two victories. The first World Cup clash occurred in the 1962 tournament whereby Ron Flowers, Bobby Charlton and Jimmy Greaves netted in a 3-1 group stage win.
Four years later, the two would collide again whereby Geoff Hurst netted the only goal of the game at Wembley in the quarter-final. The game became infamous owing to the red card received by Antonio Rattin. The Argentine midfielder refused to leave the pitch for ten minutes and when he did, he sat on a red carpet that was reserved for the Queen.
In 1986, the two met again at the quarter-final stage where Diego Maradona stole the headlines for the wrong and right reasons. The legendary star scored his famous ‘Hand of God’ goal before netting what is arguably the greatest goal ever witnessed on the football pitch. Gary Lineker replied late on but the South Americans held on to win 2-1.
The next clash occurred in 1998 which was decided on penalties. The Round of 16 clash ended 2-2 with Alan Shearer and Michael Owen’s solo stunner cancelling out Gabriel Batistuta’s opener. Javier Zanetti equalised before David Beckham got sent off for striking out at Diego Simeone. The South Americans advanced 4-3 via spot-kicks.
In the following tournament in 2002, Beckham made amends when he fired home from the penalty spot to give the Three Lions a precious 1-0 group stage win. This is the last competitve meeting and the result is something to consider when it comes to England vs Argentina betting on July 15.
When Did England And Argentina Last Meet?
The most recent England vs Argentina clash occurred in a friendly match at Stade de Geneve in 2005. A late Michael Owen brace helped secure a fine 3-2 win which also saw legendary stars Wayne Rooney, Hernan Crespo and Walter Samuel get on the scoresheet.
England Vs Argentina H2H Record
The England vs Argentina H2H record favours the Three Lions. Of the 15 previous encounters across competitive and non-competitive games, the English have registered six wins compared to Argentina’s four (1998 World Cup match won on pens).
A total of five draws have been played out between the fierce rivals, three of which were friendlies and the other a Challenge Cup game in 1991. The Three Lions most famous victory is the 1966 World Cup quarter-final clash in which Alf Ramsey would go on and lead England to glory.
As for La Albiceleste, there is no denying the 1986 World Cup quarter-final clash is their most cherished victory. The late, great Diego Maradona netted both goals at the Azteca. Interestingly, the South Americans would also go all the way that year.
England vs Argentina H2H record:
- 12/05/2005 – Argentina 2-3 England (Friendly)
- 07/06/2002 – England 1-0 Argentina (World Cup)
- 23/02/2000 – England 0-0 Argentina (Friendly)
- 30/06/1998 – Argentina* 2-2 England (World Cup) * won 4-3 on pens
- 25/05/1991 – England 2-2 Argentina (Challenge Cup)
- 22/06/1986 – Argentina 2-1 England (World Cup)
- 13/05/1980 – England 3-1 Argentina (Friendly)
- 12/06/1977 – Argentina 1-1 England (Friendly)
- 22/05/1974 – England 2-2 Argentina (Friendly)
- 23/07/1966 – England 1-0 Argentina (World Cup)
- 06/06/1964 – Argentina 1-0 England (Taca das Nacoes)
- 02/06/1962 – England 3-1 Argentina (World Cup)
- 17/05/1953 – Argentina 0-0 England (Friendly)
- 14/05/1953 – Argentina 3-1 England (Friendly)
- 09/05/1951 – England 2-1 Argentina (Friendly)
If you intend to bet on England vs Argentina then please take the time to read through BetVictor’s safe and responsible gambling page which will provide good advice on how to stay in control when betting on football.
Any betting decisions should be made responsibly and there are no guarantees when it comes to match outcomes. All odds correct as of 1pm on July 13, 2026 and are subject to change.
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