England's Rivalry with Argentina Should Not Be Confused with Politics
England's semi-final match against Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 has been intensified by political disputes off the pitch. However, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has said that he will not mix football and politics.
What Happened?
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni said he was "not going to mix" football and politics as he looked ahead to his side's World Cup semi-final against England in Atlanta on July 15, 2026. The two nations will resume one of international football's most storied rivalries at the Atlanta Stadium, as England bid to defeat the defending champions and reach their first World Cup final since 1966.
Why It Matters for England
The British overseas territory, known in Argentina as Las Malvinas, remains the subject of a sovereignty dispute between the two countries. Scaloni said, "The reality is that this is a football match. I can't mix things up, especially out of respect for what happened so many years ago."
What Comes Next?
England are currently on a 4-game winning run, with their last result being a 1-2 win over Norway on July 11, 2026. They will face Argentina at home on July 15, 2026, in the semi-final match. England's Jordan Henderson is currently sidelined due to injury.
England manager Gareth Southgate will be looking to lead his team to their first World Cup final since 1966. The Three Lions will face a tough challenge against Argentina, who have been inspired by the performances of their captain, Lionel Messi. The 39-year-old has scored a joint-tournament high eight goals, alongside France striker Kylian Mbappe.
Argentina have generally struggled collectively, with the three-time World Cup winners being tested in each of their knockout games. However, they have shown resilience and determination, and will be looking to cause an upset against England.
In a post on X, Argentina vice-president Victoria Villarruel cited a chant which the players sang following their dramatic 3-2 win over Egypt in the last-16, which references the Falklands and Argentina greats Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi. Villarruel said, "This is not just another match. I'm not going to be politically correct - against the English, it's always something more."
The Importance of the Match
The match between England and Argentina is not just about football; it's about politics and history. The two nations have a complex relationship, with the Falklands War in 1982 resulting in the deaths of 649 Argentine soldiers, 255 British combatants, and three civilians. The British overseas territory, known in Argentina as Las Malvinas, remains the subject of a sovereignty dispute between the two countries.
The match will be a test of England's resolve and determination, as they bid to reach their first World Cup final since 1966. The Three Lions will face a tough challenge against Argentina, who have been inspired by the performances of their captain, Lionel Messi.
Last result: Norway 1-2 England (2026-07-11). Recent form (last 5): 4W-1D-0L (WWWWD, most recent first); on a 4-game winning run. Next fixture: vs Argentina (at home, 2026-07-15). Currently sidelined: Jordan Henderson.
