World Cup 2026: Argentina Ready for Semi-Final Against England

In a press interview, midfielder Alexis Mac Allister stated that Argentina's victory over England at the 1986 World Cup has always been a great source of inspiration for generations of players. However, he asserted that what the legendary Diego Maradona did on the pitch is very difficult to replicate. Mac Allister noted that in recent days, many videos of the 1986 match have appeared on social media, giving the players extra motivation. According to him, Maradona remains an important symbol of Argentine football, and the team hopes to create a memorable mark like the 1986 generation, albeit in a completely different context.

Meanwhile, Rodrigo De Paul echoed the message that coach Lionel Scaloni has repeatedly emphasized before the match: "This is a World Cup semi-final against England, but above all, it is a football match." The Inter Miami midfielder expressed his hope that fans will come to the stadium to enjoy an exciting game and that Argentine supporters will leave with joy after the final whistle. He also said he is very eager for the match, but whether he will play depends on the final decision of the coaching staff.

Defender Gonzalo Montiel believes that the dream of conquering the World Cup is always present in the entire team as well as Argentine fans. According to him, England is a strong opponent with many quality players like Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, but the important thing is for Argentina to focus on their own style of play and minimize errors.

According to Argentine media, during the previous training session, coach Lionel Scaloni continued to test various personnel and tactical options, especially in defense and midfield. The official lineup will only be announced close to match time.

It is expected that on the evening of July 14 local time, coach Scaloni will attend the official pre-match press conference.

The semi-final between Argentina and England attracts special attention from fans because both are traditional football powerhouses, and they have created many memorable encounters in World Cup history. Notably, Argentina's 2-1 victory in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final, with two famous goals by Diego Maradona, remains one of the most talked-about matches in tournament history.

However, ahead of this rematch, Argentine players and coaching staff have all affirmed that this is a purely sporting contest. The media and fans in Argentina are also mainly focusing on the professional aspect, expressing hope that the team will continue their journey to defend the title with a spirit of fair play, respect for the opponent, and dedication to providing an exciting match for the audience. Argentine people are known for their passionate love of football, but most hope for a lively yet peaceful atmosphere, without letting historical off-field factors overshadow the sportsmanship of the semi-final.