Argentina’s record in FIFA World Cup semi-finals: Wins, losses and complete history
Argentina are set for their sixth World Cup semi-final appearance.
Ever since the inception of the tournament, Argentina has been heavily regarded as one of the tournament’s massive favourites. The La Albiceleste has secured three World Cup titles so far, with the South American giants having an incredibly rich and elaborate history in the competition, paving way for the development of the sport in the nation.
The Argentina national football team, arriving for the competition as the defending champions, entered the tournament. With an elite squad led by legendary captain Lionel Messi, Argentina had a brilliant start in the group stages, finishing as table-toppers, unbeaten.
They were faced with an immense challenge in the knockout rounds, securing a hard-fought 3-2 win against tournament debutants Cape Verde in extra time. Argentina then made an unbelievable comeback against Egypt in the Round of 16, trailing 2-0 until the 79th minute.
They then played European dark horses Switzerland in the quarter-final, winning 3-2, led by securing a dominant 2-0 victory against Egypt in the Round of 32, before earning a hard-fought 1-0 win over a resilient Algeria side in the Round of 16.
Argentina then faced a highly disciplined Switzerland team in the quarter-finals, ultimately defeating them 3-1 in extra time to confirm their sixth appearance at the World Cup semi-finals.
Argentina will now face England in a heavyweight clash in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on July 16 at the Atlanta Stadium in Georgia, USA.
Argentina’s Record in World Cup Semi-Finals
- Appearances: 5
- Wins: 5
- Defeats: 0
1. 1930: Argentina 6-1 United States
In the inaugural edition of the World Cup hosted by Uruguay, Argentina became one of four nations to feature in the semi-finals. After a heavily contested first half, where Argentina managed a 1-0 lead, led by Luis Monti’s goal in the 20th minute. However, they had an unbelievable second half, scoring five goals to secure a dominant 6-1 victory and a spot in the historic first-ever final.
2. 1986: Argentina 2-0 Belgium
The 1986 semi-final in Mexico was defined by the masterclass performance displayed by icon Diego Maradona. Hosted at the Estadio Azteca, the Argentine captain completely dismantled the Belgian defence. He scored two spectacular second-half goals, including an astonishing solo run where he got past three defenders, to guide his nation to a 2-0 victory, with the nation eventually securing the title.
3. 1990: Italy 1-1 Argentina (4-3 on penalties)
An intense clash in Naples saw Argentina take on the tournament hosts, Italy, in the semi-finals. After Salvatore Schillaci opened the scoring for Italy to put them ahead, Claudio Caniggia scored a brilliant second-half equalizer, forcing the match into extra time and a subsequent penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Sergio Goycochea became the national hero, saving two Italian spot-kicks to seal a dramatic 4-3 victory.
4. 2014: Argentina 0-0 Netherlands (4-2 on penalties)
Their next semi-final appearance came 24 years later, with Argentina facing the previous edition runners-up, the Netherlands. Despite immense efforts by both nations, neither side could break the deadlock, with the game moving to penalties. In the penalty shootout, goalkeeper Sergio Romero had a spectacular outing, saving two Dutch penalties to secure a 4–2 victory and guide Argentina back to the final.
5. 2022: Argentina 3-0 Croatia
Argentina faced the 2018 runners-up, Croatia, in the semi-finals. Lionel Messi opened the scoring from a penalty before Julian Alvarez netted a sensational individual goal to give Argentina a 2-0 lead before halftime. Messi provided a brilliant assist in the second half, setting up Alvarez for his second goal of the game, sealing a comfortable 3-0 win, with the nation eventually securing the title.
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Basil Elias Benoy is a sports journalist with a deep passion for football, cricket, and kabaddi. A devoted supporter of Manchester United and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he combines his academic background in Economics with hands-on experience in sports media. His work ranges from professional sports content creation for digital platforms to on-ground reporting for Indian Super League club Kerala Blasters.