For the 2026 World CUp final against Spain, Lautaro Martinez has been left out from Argentina's starting lineup. Argentina takes the pitch today, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, chasing a historic back-to-back World Cup championship against Spain. However, as soon as the official lineups were released ahead of kickoff, Lautaro Martinez emerged as the most glaring omission from the starting eleven. Lautaro Martinez will begin the match against Spain on the bench due to a strategic tactical decision by head coach Lionel Scaloni. The Argentine boss has opted to adjust his tactical shape from Wednesday’s semifinal victory over England, leaving the highly lethal center forward out of the opening lineup despite his heroics against the Three Lions. Instead, Scaloni has tapped Julian Alvarez to partner Lionel Messi leading Argentina’s frontline attack. By starting the Atletico Madrid forward, the manager is prioritizing a high-energy profile capable of executing a relentless high-press to disrupt a Spanish side that thrives on controlling possession. On the other side of the pitch, Argentina’s Lautaro Martinez is also expected to make a major impact off the bench. Over the last few rounds, the striker has proven to be vital in front of the net, providing a reliable spark that manager Lionel Scaloni will likely utilize in the second half of the match. Lautaro Martinez #22 of Argentina scores against England. Lautaro Martinez’s 2026 World Cup journey With Julian Alvarez nursing an ankle injury early in the tournament, Martinez initially served as Argentina’s starting center forward alongside Lionel Messi. The Inter Milan captain started the team’s first four matches, covering the entire World Cup group stage and a Round of 32 clash against Cape Verde, though his lone goal during that opening stretch came from the penalty spot against Jordan. Once Alvarez returned to full fitness for the Round of 16, Martinez was moved to the bench. However, the lineup change did not diminish his impact on the tournament, as he quickly adapted to his role as a highly effective late-game option for the Albiceleste. He set up the winning goal to complete a late comeback against Egypt before scoring in consecutive knockout matches. He added the late insurance goal in a 3-1 victory over Switzerland and then headed home the decisive winner to cap a 2-1 comeback against England, providing a clear redemption arc after going scoreless during the 2022 World Cup.
While the fixture carries decades of history, its immediate importance lies in how the result will decide the final two matches of the tournament. Argentina and England are set to renew one of soccer’s greatest rivalries in the 2026 World Cup semifinal, with the final result set to determine far more than just bragging rights. While the fixture carries decades of history, its immediate importance lies in how the result will decide the final two matches of the tournament. La Albiceleste’s road to the semifinal has been anything but straightforward. After cruising through the group stage, Lionel Scaloni’s side survived an extra-time battle against Cape Verde, produced a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down to defeat Egypt 3-2, and eventually overcame Switzerland 3-1 after extra time thanks to Julian Alvarez’s decisive strike. England has also been forced to overcome difficult moments throughout the knockout stage. Thomas Tuchel’s squad eliminated DR Congo before edging Mexico 3-2 and then defeating Norway 3-2 after extra time, with Jude Bellingham once again proving decisive. The semifinal also renews one of soccer’s most famous rivalries. The nations have not met since a 3-2 England victory in a 2005 friendly, while this will be their first World Cup encounter since the 2002 group stage, when David Beckham’s penalty separated the teams. DateArgentina’s OpponentStageResultJuly 11, 2026SwitzerlandQuarter-finalsWin (3-1 AET)July 7, 2026EgyptRound of 16Win (3-2)July 3, 2026Cabo VerdeRound of 32Win (3-2 AET)June 27, 2026JordanGroup StageWin (3-1)June 22, 2026AustriaGroup StageWin (2-0)June 16, 2026AlgeriaGroup StageWin (3-0) Both sides enter the contest with superstar forwards leading their attacks. Lionel Messi has scored eight goals during the tournament, while Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have each found the net six times, keeping the Golden Boot race alive heading into the final four. DateEngland’s OpponentStageResultJuly 11, 2026NorwayQuarter-finalsWin (2-1 AET)July 5, 2026MexicoRound of 16Win (3-2)July 1, 2026DR CongoRound of 32Win (2-1)June 27, 2026PanamaGroup StageWin (2-0)June 23, 2026GhanaGroup StageTie (0-0)June 17, 2026CroatiaGroup StageWin (4-2) What happens if Argentina wins and England loses? Should Argentina defeat England, regardless of whether the victory comes in regulation time, extra time, or penalties, the reigning world champion would advance to the 2026 World Cup Final. Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates with Julian Alvarez #9 after scoring against Egypt. Their reward would be a showdown against Spain, which booked its place by defeating France in the first semifinal. Victory over England would also keep alive Argentina’s dream of becoming the first nation in more than six decades to successfully defend the World Cup title. England, meanwhile, would see its championship hopes end and instead prepare for the third-place playoff against France. The Albiceleste enters the semifinal having survived several demanding knockout matches, including extra-time victories over Cape Verde and Switzerland, while also recovering from a two-goal deficit against Egypt. What happens if the match is tied after 90 minutes? Unlike league competitions, a draw cannot be the final result in a World Cup semifinal. If the score remains level after 90 minutes, two 15-minute periods of extra time will immediately follow. Should neither team break the deadlock after 120 minutes, the semifinal would be settled by a penalty shootout. Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina take a penalty kick This scenario would significantly increase the physical demands on both squads, especially considering each side has already endured exhausting knockout encounters during the tournament. The eventual winner of the shootout would advance to face Spain, while the defeated side would move into the third-place match against France. DateCompetitionH2H ResultNovember 12, 2005International FriendlyArgentina 2-3 EnglandJune 7, 2002FIFA World Cup (Group Stage)Argen
While Lionel Messi is channeling the vast majority of Argentina's goals in the 2026 World Cup, head coach Lionel Scaloni remains unfazed by the lopsided production. Lionel Messi has once again emerged as the undeniable driving force for the Argentina national team during the 2026 World Cup, putting on an incredible goalscoring form that has completely eclipsed his teammates and reignited questions surrounding the squad’s perceived “Messi-dependency.” However, the Round of 32 clash against Cape Verde on the horizon, head coach Lionel Scaloni firmly stated that Messi’s lopsided dominance on the scoresheet is “not worrying.” Heading into the knockout stage, Argentina sits as the 10th-highest scoring team in the tournament with eight goals. However, a staggering six of those tallies belong to Messi, who currently co-leads the Golden Boot race alongside Kylian Mbappe, meaning the iconic captain has accounted for 75 percent of his team’s offensive output, a statistic that highlights his individual brilliance but also exposes a lack of clinical finishing from the rest of the Albiceleste roster. When questioned about Messi’s massive share of the scoring during Thursday’s press conference, Scaloni offered a defensive response: “Leo has scored goals, and we’ve had goalscoring situations from other players. Maybe he channels a lot more of it (Messi), but he is a forward for the team. We have had chances, regardless of whether or not we made the goalkeeper the man of the match—I think we’ve had chances. So it’s not worrying.” Argentina’s only other two goals of the tournament came during the World Cup group-stage finale against Jordan, a match Messi started on the substitutes’ bench since the top spot in the group had already been locked up. Notably, both of those goals were manufactured from dead-ball situations, with Giovani Lo Celso curling in a free kick and Lautaro Martinez converting a penalty, meaning no other Argentine player has found the back of the net from open play in this tournament. Giovani Lo Celso #11 of Argentina celebrates with teammates after scoring against Jordan. Nevertheless, the statistical imbalance remains a non-issue for Scaloni as his team transitions into single-elimination play: “We would love to distribute the goals across the whole team, but as long as things are going well, we win, and the team creates a baseline of chances, I think that is important to emphasize. The team creates chances, and Leo is, besides being a great player, the team’s forward, and along with Lautaro, Julian, or whoever happens to play, we will try to make sure they can score, and the others as well.“ No other knockout-bound heavyweight, including France with Mbappe, Norway with Erling Haaland, or England with Harry Kane, has channeled such a massive percentage of its goals through a single player. The true litmus test arrives on Friday, July 3rd, against Cape Verde at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, where Messi will return to the starting XI and fans will see if this extreme reliance on his genius is a championship trait or a fatal flaw. Messi on the verge of reaching new heights Cape Verde pulled off one of the biggest surprises of the opening round, securing the second spot in Group H as heavy underdogs following shocking draws against powerhouse nations Spain and Uruguay, paired with a scoreless stalemate against Saudi Arabia. While they project to be a highly disciplined and stubborn defensive opponent, Messi will once again have a date with destiny in South Florida. Already cemented as the all-time leader in both World Cup appearances and goals scored in tournament history, simply stepping onto the pitch on Friday will mark Messi’s 30th career World Cup match. Furthermore, a single goal against Cape Verde would elevate his historical tournament scoring tally to 20, setting an unprecedented gold standard for two records that already bear his name.
Despite having one of the most iconic identities in the sport, the same burning question continues to echo for every new generation of fans: has England actually ever won the whole thing? Every time the World Cup rolls around, England carries the massive weight of history and the hopes of a soccer-obsessed nation. Despite having one of the most iconic identities in the sport, the same burning question continues to echo for every new generation of fans: has England actually ever won the whole thing? Diving into the Three Lions’ all-time records and best finishes reveals the wild, emotional rollercoaster behind its tournament history. With Thomas Tuchel leading England at the 2026 World Cup, the national team arrived with a squad filled with world-class talent, including captain Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Declan Rice. After dominating qualifying with a perfect record, England now hopes to turn impressive performances into the one achievement that has escaped many talented squads throughout history. England’s road to the 2026 World Cup began dominantly. The national team qualified after winning all eight matches in their group, scoring 22 goals and conceding zero, showing the defensive discipline and attacking quality expected from a side considered among the tournament contenders. Under Tuchel, the Three Lions have developed a more aggressive tactical identity, usually operating in a 4-2-3-1 formation built around pressing, midfield control, and attacking flexibility. The German coach has focused on creating a strong team environment while relying on the individual brilliance of players who can decide matches at the highest level. England head coach Thomas Tuche Has England ever won a World Cup? Yes, England has won the FIFA World Cup once in its history. The national team lifted the trophy on home soil in 1966, creating the greatest moment in English soccer history. Managed by Sir Alf Ramsey, England defeated West Germany 4-2 after extra time in the final at Wembley Stadium. The match became legendary because Geoff Hurst scored a hat-trick, the only hat-trick ever recorded in a men’s World Cup final. The England team celebrate after Geoff Hurst scores the controversial third goal against West Germany during the 1966 World Cup final The victory completed a historic tournament for the Three Lions, who were known as the “wingless wonders” because of Ramsey’s tactical approach. Captain Bobby Moore lifted the Jules Rimet Trophy, creating an image that remains one of the most famous moments in soccer history. Despite inventing the sport, England had missed the first three World Cups due to a dispute with FIFA before making their official debut in 1950. Since then, the national team has become one of the most consistent World Cup participants, although another championship has remained out of reach. StatisticEngland Men’s World Cup RecordAppearances17 (1950, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026)Matches Played77 (through the 2026 group stage)Wins / Draws / Losses34 Wins / 23 Draws / 20 Losses (through the 2026 group stage)Goals For / Goals Against110 Goals Scored / 70 Goals Conceded (through the 2026 group stage)Maiden World Cup GoalStan Mortensen (1950 vs. Chile)Biggest World Cup Win6-1 vs. Panama (2018) England’s best World Cup finishes after 1966 After their famous triumph, England has experienced several heartbreaking exits and unforgettable tournament runs. The national team reached the semi-finals in 1990, finishing fourth after losing to West Germany in a penalty shootout during a dramatic tournament in Italy. The Three Lions produced another memorable campaign in 2018, reaching the semi-finals under Gareth Southgate. England eventually lost to Croatia after extra time, but restored belief among supporters after years of disappointing tournament performances. Stage ReachedNumber of TimesYearsChampions1 time1966Semi-finals / 4th2 times1990, 2018Quarter-finals7 times1
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