Argentina and England have produced some of the most dramatic and controversial matches in FIFA World Cup history.
The two soccer powers have met five times at the World Cup, with England winning three matches and Argentina advancing or winning twice. Their meetings have featured historic goals, controversial red cards, penalty shootouts and unforgettable performances from players such as Diego Maradona, David Beckham and Michael Owen.
Here is a complete look at every past World Cup matchup between Argentina and England.
Argentina vs. England World Cup Head-to-Head Record
Before their 2026 World Cup meeting, Argentina and England had faced each other five times in the tournament.
- Matches played: 5
- England wins: 3
- Argentina wins: 2
- Draws: 0
- England goals: 8
- Argentina goals: 5
The 1998 match officially ended in a 2-2 draw after extra time, but Argentina advanced by winning the penalty shootout.
1962 World Cup: England 3-1 Argentina
Argentina and England met for the first time at the FIFA World Cup during the 1962 tournament in Chile.
England earned a 3-1 victory in the group stage. Ron Flowers, Bobby Charlton and Jimmy Greaves scored for England, while José Sanfilippo scored Argentina’s only goal.
The result helped England advance to the knockout stage, where the team was eventually eliminated by Brazil.
1966 World Cup: England 1-0 Argentina
The second World Cup meeting between England and Argentina took place in the quarterfinals of the 1966 tournament.
England won 1-0 at Wembley Stadium behind a goal from Geoff Hurst.
The match became one of the most controversial games in World Cup history after Argentina captain Antonio Rattín was sent off. Rattín initially refused to leave the field, causing a lengthy delay and increasing tensions between the two teams.
England went on to win the 1966 World Cup, defeating West Germany in the final.
1986 World Cup: Argentina 2-1 England
The 1986 World Cup quarterfinal between Argentina and England remains the most famous match in their rivalry.
Diego Maradona scored both of Argentina’s goals in a 2-1 victory at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Maradona’s first goal became known as the “Hand of God” after he used his hand to knock the ball past England goalkeeper Peter Shilton. The officials allowed the goal to stand.
Only minutes later, Maradona produced what became known as the “Goal of the Century.” He dribbled past several England players before scoring one of the greatest goals in World Cup history.
Gary Lineker pulled one goal back for England, but Argentina held on to win.
Argentina eventually defeated West Germany in the final to win the 1986 World Cup.
1998 World Cup: Argentina 2-2 England
Argentina and England met again in the Round of 16 at the 1998 World Cup in France.
The match ended 2-2 after extra time before Argentina won the penalty shootout 4-3.
Gabriel Batistuta gave Argentina an early lead from the penalty spot before Alan Shearer equalized for England. Michael Owen then scored a memorable solo goal to put England ahead.
Javier Zanetti tied the match shortly before halftime following a creative Argentina free-kick routine.
England played much of the second half with 10 players after David Beckham was sent off for kicking out at Diego Simeone.
Argentina goalkeeper Carlos Roa saved David Batty’s penalty in the shootout to send Argentina into the quarterfinals.
2002 World Cup: England 1-0 Argentina
The most recent World Cup meeting before 2026 took place during the group stage of the 2002 tournament in Japan and South Korea.
England defeated Argentina 1-0 behind a David Beckham penalty.
The goal was especially meaningful for Beckham following his red card against Argentina four years earlier. England’s victory helped the team advance from the group, while Argentina was eliminated in the opening round.
Complete List of Argentina vs. England World Cup Matches
1962 World Cup
England 3-1 Argentina
Stage: Group stage
Winner: England
1966 World Cup
England 1-0 Argentina
Stage: Quarterfinal
Winner: England
1986 World Cup
Argentina 2-1 England
Stage: Quarterfinal
Winner: Argentina
1998 World Cup
Argentina 2-2 England
Argentina won 4-3 on penalties
Stage: Round of 16
Winner: Argentina
2002 World Cup
England 1-0 Argentina
Stage: Group stage
Winner: England
Who Has the Better World Cup Record: Argentina or England?
England holds a 3-2 advantage based on match victories in the five previous World Cup meetings.
However, Argentina won two of the rivalry’s most significant knockout matches. Argentina eliminated England in the 1986 quarterfinal and again in the 1998 Round of 16.
England’s victories came in the 1962 group stage, the 1966 quarterfinal and the 2002 group stage.
Why Is the Argentina vs. England Rivalry So Famous?
The Argentina-England rivalry extends beyond the results.
Their World Cup meetings have included several defining moments in soccer history:
- Antonio Rattín’s controversial red card in 1966
- Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal in 1986
- Maradona’s “Goal of the Century”
- Michael Owen’s solo goal in 1998
- David Beckham’s red card in 1998
- Beckham’s winning penalty in 2002
These moments have made Argentina vs. England one of the most anticipated matchups in international soccer.
Argentina vs. England World Cup History: Frequently Asked Questions
How many times have Argentina and England played at the World Cup?
Argentina and England have played five times at the FIFA World Cup before their 2026 meeting.
Who has won more World Cup matches between Argentina and England?
England has won three of the five previous World Cup matchups. Argentina has won or advanced in two.
When did Argentina last beat England at the World Cup?
Argentina last eliminated England at the 1998 World Cup, winning 4-3 in a penalty shootout after the match ended 2-2.
When did England last beat Argentina at the World Cup?
England last defeated Argentina at the 2002 World Cup. David Beckham scored the only goal from the penalty spot.
Did Argentina beat England in the “Hand of God” match?
Yes. Argentina defeated England 2-1 in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal. Diego Maradona scored both goals for Argentina.
Final Thoughts
Argentina and England share one of the richest rivalries in World Cup history.
From England’s victories in 1962 and 1966 to Maradona’s unforgettable performance in 1986, the penalty shootout drama of 1998 and Beckham’s redemption in 2002, nearly every meeting has produced a memorable chapter.
With five previous World Cup matchups and decades of history between them, Argentina vs. England remains one of international soccer’s most compelling fixtures.