With the four biggest favorites reaching the World Cup 2026 semifinals, you’re bound to get some classic matchups. But while France and Spain share little more than a rivalry, there are few more historically charged duels than Argentina vs England.

There’s the crucial military history between the two, most notably the 1982 Malvinas War, but also the 19th-century English invasions of Buenos Aires and the 1845 blockade of the city’s port.

However, Argentina and England also share a tense sporting rivalry that dates back to before the Malvinas conflict and has extended far beyond it.

Before a single shot was fired in the southern Atlantic, Argentina and England were already facing off in tense duels.

On May 9, 1951, they inaugurated the rivalry at Wembley Stadium, in London. Despite a heroic performance by Argentine goalkeeper Miguel Ángel Rugilo — which earned him the nickname Lion of Wembley — the friendly match ended in a 2–1 victory for the home team.

The first clash at a World Cup came in Chile 1962, when England won 3-1 in the opening round, with goals from Ron Flowers, Bobby Charlton, and Jimmy Greaves. Perhaps that match created some bad faith, because the following World Cup, things got heated.

Nearly 60 years ago to the day, Argentina took on England at Wembley in the 1966 World Cup quarterfinals. It was a hard-fought, physical game, and one in which the Argentines felt they were the only ones being punished by the German referee Rudolf Kreitlein. 

At the 35-minute mark, Argentine captain Antonio Rattín — a Boca Juniors legend who passed away on Sunday — asked for an interpreter after being issued a caution. Kreitlein, who did not speak Spanish, interpreted it as a threat and decided to send off Rattín.

Protesting the injustice, Rattín refused to leave the field at first, and then........

© Buenos Aires Herald