How an Argentina win, draw, or loss against England could affect the 2026 World Cup bracket

Argentina and England will renew one of football’s greatest rivalries in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup, the final result will determine more than just bragging rights. Although the game has a history of decades, its importance lies in how the result will decide the final two games of the tournament.

La Albiceleste’s road to the semi-finals was by no means straightforward. After progressing to the group stage, Lionel Scaloni’s side survived an extra-time battle against Cape Verde, making a remarkable comeback. With 2-0, they beat Egypt 3-2and finally conquered Switzerland 3-1 after extra time thanks to Julian Alvarez’s decisive strike.

England have also had to overcome tough times throughout the knockout stage. Thomas Tuchel’s side eliminated DR Congo before beating Mexico 3-2 and beat Norway 3-2 after extra timeand Jude Bellingham again proved decisive.

The semi-final also revives one of football’s most famous rivalries. Nations have not met since a England won 3-2 in a friendly match in 2005while this will be theirs the first World Cup match since 2002 in the group stagewhen David Beckham’s penalty split the teams.

The day	Argentinian opponent	The stage	The result
July 11, 2026	in Switzerland	Quarter-final	Win (3-1 AET)
July 7, 2026	Egypt	Round 16	Win (3-2)
July 3, 2026	Cabo Verde	Round 32	Win (3-2 AET)
June 27, 2026	Jordan	Group Stage	Win (3-1)
June 22, 2026	In Austria	Group Stage	Win (2-0)
June 16, 2026	Algeria	Group Stage	Win (3-0)

Both teams entered the tournament with leading players. Lionel Messi has scored eight goals in this tournamentwhile Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham found the net six timeskeeping the golden boot race alive heading into the last four.

The day	England’s opponent	The stage	The result
July 11, 2026	in Norway	Quarter-final	Win (2-1 AET)
July 5, 2026	Mexico	Round 16	Win (3-2)
July 1, 2026	DR Congo	Round 32	Win (2-1)
June 27, 2026	in Panama	Group Stage	Win (2-0)
June 23, 2026	Ghana	Group Stage	Draw (0-0)
June 17, 2026	Croatia	Group Stage	Win (4-2)

What happens if Argentina win and England lose?

You should Argentina beat Englandwhether the victory comes in regulation time, overtime, or penalty kicks, the reigning world champion will advance to the 2026 World Cup Final.

Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates with Julian Alvarez #9 after beating Egypt.

Their reward would be to attack each other Spainwho booked their place by defeating France in the first semi-final. A win over England will also keep Argentina’s dream alive the first nation in over sixty years to successfully defend the World Cup title.

Meanwhile, England will see their tournament hopes fade and instead prepare for the game third place with France.

The Albiceleste enter the semi-finals having survived many tough games, including overtime wins over Cape Verde and Switzerland, and recovered from a two-goal loss against Egypt.

What happens if the game is tied after 90 minutes?

Unlike league competitions, a draw will not be the final result in the World Cup semi-final. If the result remains normal after 90 minutes, two 15-minute overtime periods will immediately follow. If neither team breaks the deadlock after 120 minutes, the semi-finals will be decided by penalty kicks.

Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina scores a penalty

This situation can significantly increase the physical demands on both squads, especially since each side has endured knockout encounters during the tournament. The winner in goals will face Spain, while the defeated team will advance to third place against France.

The day	Competition	H2H result
November 12, 2005	International Friendly	Argentina 2-3 England
June 7, 2002	FIFA World Cup (Group Stage)	Argentina 0-1 England
February 23, 2000	International Friendly	England 0-0 Argentina
June 30, 1998	FIFA World Cup (Round of 16)	Argentina 2-2 England (Argentina won 4-3 on penalties)
May 24, 1991	England Challenge Cup	England 2-2 Argentina

What happens if Argentina lose and England lose?

An The victory of England he will send three lions their first World Cup final since 1966where they would challenge Spain for the trophy.

England’s Harry Kane #9 celebrates with teammates Declan Rice #4 and Anthony Gordon #18.

For Argentina, defeat will quickly end any hopes of retaining the title. Instead of fighting for the fourth World Cup title, Lionel Scaloni’s team would face each other France is in third place scheduled before the championship game.

Such a result would also halt the team’s remarkable run in the knockout stages since lifting the trophy in Qatar four years ago. Although finishing third will still represent a tough competition, it will be well within the expectations of the champion.

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