England vs Argentina - All-time Head-to-head record ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026

England hold a slight edge in one of international football’s fiercest rivalries ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 has reached its almost end, with only four teams left in the race to lift the coveted trophy. England continued their impressive campaign by overcoming Mexico in the quarter-finals, while Argentina edged past Switzerland to book another place in the last four.

The two footballing giants will now renew one of the sport’s most iconic rivalries at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with a place in the FIFA World Cup final at stake.

From unforgettable World Cup clashes and controversial moments to legendary individual performances, England and Argentina have shared a rivalry that stretches back more than seven decades, ensuring another important chapter awaits both the teams.

England vs Argentina : All time Head-to-head records

England and Argentina have met 14 times in senior international football. The Three Lions have enjoyed a slight advantage, winning six matches, while Argentina have emerged victorious on three occasions. The remaining five encounters have ended in draws. The two nations have met five times at the FIFA World Cup, producing some of the most memorable matches in football history.

• Matches played: 14
• England wins: 6
• Argentina wins: 3
• Draws: 5
• FIFA World Cup meetings: 5
• International friendlies: 9

England vs Argentina All previous meetings between both the teams

The rivalry began in May 1951 at Wembley Stadium, where England edged Argentina 2-1 in an entertaining friendly. It marked the first meeting between the two footballing nations and gave the Three Lions an early advantage in the head-to-head record.

The teams met again two years later in 1962 in Buenos Aires. This time, neither side could find the breakthrough as a closely contested encounter ended in a goalless draw, the first stalemate in the rivalry.

Their first meeting at the FIFA World Cup came in Chile in 1962. England secured a convincing 3-1 victory in the group stage, strengthening their record against Argentina on football’s biggest stage.

Their first meeting at the FIFA World Cup came in Chile in 1962. England secured a convincing 3-1 victory in the group stage, strengthening their record against Argentina on football’s biggest stage.

Argentina claimed their first victory in the fixture two years later, defeating England 1-0 on home soil. The result demonstrated the growing competitiveness of the rivalry heading into the latter half of the decade.

Argentina claimed their first victory in the fixture two years later, defeating England 1-0 on home soil. The result demonstrated the growing competitiveness of the rivalry heading into the latter half of the decade.

The teams met again during the quarter-finals of the 1966 FIFA World Cup. England secured a narrow 1-0 victory before going on to lift the World Cup for the first and only time in their history. The match is remembered for its intense atmosphere and controversial dismissal of Argentina captain Antonio Rattín

After an eight-year gap, the two nations played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in a friendly in 1974. Both teams showcased their attacking quality, but neither could find a decisive winner.

Another friendly followed three years later in 1977 in Buenos Aires. Once again, the sides could not be separated as they shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.

England returned to winning ways in 1980 with a convincing 3-1 victory at Wembley. The Three Lions produced an impressive attacking display to continue their strong record against the South Americans.

One of the most famous matches in football history took place at the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico. Diego Maradona inspired Argentina to a 2-1 victory by scoring both goals, including the infamous “Hand of God” goal and the extraordinary solo effort later voted the “Goal of the Century.” Argentina went on to win the World Cup, while the match became one of the defining moments in the rivalry.

The rivalry resumed five years later in 1991 with another entertaining draw. Both sides found the back of the net twice, reflecting how evenly matched they had become.

Another unforgettable World Cup encounter arrived in France in 1998. Michael Owen scored one of the greatest goals of his career, but England were reduced to ten men after David Beckham was sent off following an incident involving Diego Simeone. The match finished 2-2 before Argentina prevailed 6-5 in the penalty shootout to reach the quarter-finals.

The first meeting of the new millennium ended without a goal. Despite several chances for both teams, neither side could break the deadlock in a tightly contested friendly.

England earned a measure of revenge at the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan and South Korea. David Beckham scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot, sealing a memorable victory over Argentina in the group stage.

The most recent meeting came at Geneva’s Stade de Genève in November 2005. England emerged 3-2 winners after an entertaining contest, extending their lead in the overall head-to-head record ahead of their latest World Cup showdown.

England vs Argentina : All Previous meetings results

• 9 May 1951: England 2-1 Argentina – International Friendly
• 17 May 1953: Argentina 0-0 England – International Friendly
• 2 June 1962: England 3-1 Argentina – FIFA World Cup (Group Stage)
• 6 June 1964: Argentina 1-0 England – International Friendly
• 23 July 1966: England 1-0 Argentina – FIFA World Cup (Quarter-final)
• 22 May 1974: England 2-2 Argentina – International Friendly
• 12 June 1977: Argentina 1-1 England – International Friendly
• 12 May 1980: England 3-1 Argentina – International Friendly
• 22 June 1986: Argentina 2-1 England – FIFA World Cup (Quarter-final)
• 24 May 1991: England 2-2 Argentina – International Friendly
• 30 June 1998: Argentina 2-2 England (Argentina won 6-5 on penalties) – FIFA World Cup (Round of 16)
• 23 February 2000: England 0-0 Argentina – International Friendly
• 7 June 2002: Argentina 0-1 England – FIFA World Cup (Group Stage)
• 10 November 2005: England 3-2 Argentina – International Friendly

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