Former England winger Joe Cole has boldly predicted that the Three Lions will neutralise Lionel Messi during their highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal clash at the Atlanta Stadium. The mouth-watering fixture will mark the first time Thomas Tuchel's England side has crossed paths with Argentina at a World Cup in 24 years.

Thursday's fixture adds another chapter to the storied World Cup rivalry between the two nations, who have previously battled on the global stage in 1962, 1966, 1986, 1998, and 2002. England emerged victorious in their most recent encounter in Japan, courtesy of a crucial penalty from David Beckham.

While Argentina enters the tie as the reigning world champions following their historic third tournament victory in Qatar four years ago, Cole expects England's explosive attacking threat to overpower the South Americans.
“We will have to put Lionel Messi to bed. We’re going to put him to bed," Cole said on The Rest is Football podcast.

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The road to the semifinals

Both heavyweights have had to endure grueling extra-time periods in the quarterfinals to book their slots in the final four.

Argentina's route to the semifinals has been anything but straightforward:

  • Quarterfinals: Scaloni’s side was held to a tense 1-1 draw by Switzerland through 90 minutes. In extra time, Julián Álvarez curled in a spectacular second goal, followed by a late strike from Lautaro Martínez to cap off a hard-fought 3-1 win.

  • Round of 16: The South Americans pulled off a dramatic comeback against Egypt. Trailing 2-0 as late as the 79th minute, Argentina produced a stunning offensive burst to score three goals within a 13-minute window, ultimately progressing with a 3-2 victory.

  • Round of 32: World Cup debutants Cape Verde surprisingly pushed the tournament favourites to the limit, taking them to extra time before an own goal sealed a 3-2 win for Argentina.

Alongside tournament co-favourites France, Argentina remains the only team in the tournament to preserve a flawless 100 per cent winning record, group stages through knockouts (including extra-time results), after previously defeating Algeria, Austria, and Jordan in the opening rounds.