Unlike Spain and France, who reached the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals by winning all six matches within regulation time, Argentina and England have endured a tougher route to the last four.
Both needed extra time in the quarterfinals, with Argentina overcoming Switzerland 3-1 and England edging Norway 2-1. Argentina had also required extra time to defeat Cape Verde 3-2 in the round of 32.
Resilience has been a defining feature of both teams’ knockout campaigns. Several matches appeared headed for penalties, but both sides found late goals to avoid shootouts. However, when Argentina and England meet for their first World Cup clash since 2002, penalties could finally become decisive in Atlanta.
If that happens, Emiliano Martinez and Jordan Pickford could hold the key. Neither goalkeeper has been heavily tested at this tournament, with both conceding six goals in six matches. Martinez has made eight saves, while Pickford has produced 14.
Martinez enters the semifinal with a reputation as one of football’s premier penalty specialists, having helped Argentina win four shootouts across the 2021 Copa America, 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa America. His standout performance in this tournament came against Switzerland, when he made four crucial saves, including a superb one-on-one stop against Breel Embolo.
The Aston Villa goalkeeper also recovered from a finger injury before the tournament and recently surpassed Ubaldo Fillol’s record for most World Cup appearances by an Argentine goalkeeper, making his 14th appearance.
"I think my time will come. I need to help them a lot more. They're saving me in several games, and it's my turn to do it," Martinez had said after Argentina’s win over Egypt.
Pickford, meanwhile, has been England’s busier last line of defence. The Three Lions’ record World Cup appearance-maker produced three saves each against Mexico and Norway, with David Beckham describing his display against Mexico as "perfection".
Beyond his saves, Pickford has offered England defensive security with his command of crosses and set-pieces. He has now made 18 World Cup appearances, surpassing Peter Shilton’s previous record of 17.
The semifinal will also mark his first encounter with Messi. "We all know how good Messi is, but we also know how good Argentina are," Pickford said.
With another chapter of one of football’s great rivalries about to unfold past midnight tonight, the duel between Martinez and Pickford could prove as significant as the battle between the attacking stars -- especially if the contest is decided from 12 yards.
