England v Argentina: 2026 World Cup Prediction

Are you ready for the second semi-final of the 2026 World Cup? One of the greatest matches in the history of world football is on the cards. How about the world-famous ‘Hand of God’? Or David Beckham’s red card at the 1998 World Cup in France? The England v Argentina match is one for the history books, which is why we’re telling you all about it in this article. En natuurlijk trakteren we je op onze Engeland - Argentinië voorspelling. Do you play at Oranje Palace?

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England v Argentina preview

Can Argentina beat England for the first time since 1986? Here’s a brief look at both nations.

Current Form & Team News

England

It’s sometimes almost laughable how the English approach football, yet The Three Lions are once again in the semi-finals of a major tournament. After losing the European Championship finals in 2020 and 2024, the whole country is craving its first major trophy since winning the World Cup in 1966. They are well on their way and are hoping for more flashes of brilliance from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane against Argentina too. Both star players have scored six goals in six World Cup matches. Can they lead the team forward and get past goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez as well?

Argentina

Once again, Argentina had no cause for complaint regarding the refereeing. Following a number of dubious decisions – such as a red card for Lionel Messi or a disallowed goal by Egypt – the same pattern was repeated against Switzerland. Even though Breel Embolo’s dive was very poorly executed, the VAR’s intervention was nothing short of remarkable. Still, there was some good news too, as the South Americans managed to score three times even without a goal from Lionel Messi. Julian Alvarez’s goal, in particular, was a thing of beauty. Can he do it again against England?

Head-to-Head

There are few international matches that carry as much significance as the England v Argentina fixture. We’ve already mentioned David Beckham’s red card, but what about the Falklands War? It’s clear that there are countless stories to tell about both nations.

In total, England and Argentina have played eight matches against each other. Of these, England came out on top four times, whilst, remarkably, Argentina only came out on top once. The match ended in a draw on three occasions, which suggests that England generally have the upper hand. Especially as England have not lost any of their last five encounters. Does this provide enough confidence for another good result?

Expected line-ups

England (4-3-3):

Pickford, Spence, Gueye, Stones, James, Rice, Anderson, Bellingham, Gordon, Kane, Saka

Argentina (4-4-2):

Martinez, Tagliafico, Martinez, Romero, Molina, Paredes, Mac Allister, Fernandez, De Paul, Alvarez, Messi

England - Argentina betting tips

Betting tip 1: Alexis Mac Allister to have more than 0.5 shots on target

Naturally, all eyes in Argentina are on Lionel Messi. However, we mustn’t underestimate the role of Alexis Mac Allister either. The Liverpool midfielder is in fine form and, despite his short stature, is a real threat from corners. We expect the attacking midfielder to have at least one shot on target, just as he did in his last two matches. If Alexis Mac Allister has more than 0.5 shots on target, you’ll get odds of 4.10.

Betting tip 2: Jude Bellingham to have more than 1.5 shots on target

Is there anyone else quite like Jude Bellingham? The Real Madrid star seems to be stepping up at just the right moment and is of immense value to his country. With two goals against both Mexico and Norway, he is showing that he may well be the key player for the Three Lions. We reckon he’ll have at least two shots on target for the fourth match in a row. Betting on Jude Bellingham to have more than 1.5 shots on target gives you odds of 3.20.

England v Argentina Prediction

Final score: England v Argentina 1–1
We expect a somewhat dull match, in which both teams will adopt a cautious approach. This is particularly likely given that they did the same in the quarter-finals. We do think, however, that one of the star players will eventually score, after which we’ll see a proper match. We then reckon that extra time or a penalty shoot-out will be the deciding factor.