England face ultimate test against Messi's Argentina in semifinal tie - The Observer Media Ltd

England face ultimate test against Messi's Argentina in semifinal tie - The Observer Media Ltd. England and Argentina meet in a 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal, with a place in the final at stake, rekindling one of the tournament’s most storied rivalries. For England, the match offers another chance to end decades without a World Cup title, the last being in 1966 at home. Argentina, the reigning champions who won the tournament four years ago, seek to defend their crown and become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup. The article highlights England’s route: Group L top with a 2-0 win over Panama, then knockout wins over DR Congo, Mexico and Norway, including Bellingham scoring both goals versus Norway. It notes Argentina’s campaign led by Messi’s goals—starting with a hat-trick against Algeria—plus extra-time survival versus Cabo Verde and a quarterfinal extra-time 3-1 over Switzerland.