Argentina have never lost a World Cup semi-final

Argentina's record in World Cup semi-finals is impeccable. The South American giants have reached the last four on six occasions and have progressed to the final every single time, making it almost a certainty that when Argentina reach the semi-finals, they book a ticket to the final.

Lionel Scaloni's side secured their semi-final spot by beating Switzerland 3-1 in extra time on Sunday, July 12, in Kansas. England joined them in the last four by defeating Norway 2-1. The two rivals will now face each other in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 15.

Let us take a look at Argentina's five previous semi-final appearances:

Argentina 6-1 USA (1930 World Cup)
In the very first World Cup, Argentina announced their arrival on the big stage. At the Centenario Stadium, they thrashed the United States 6-1 to become the first team to reach a World Cup final.

Argentina 2-0 Belgium (1986 World Cup)
After Diego Maradona's famous "Hand of God" and "Goal of the Century" against England in the quarter-finals, Argentina faced Belgium in the semi-finals at the Azteca Stadium. Maradona scored both goals in a 2-0 victory to take his side to the final, where they won their second World Cup.

Italy 1-1 Argentina (Argentina won 4-3 on penalties) (1990 World Cup)
The match against hosts Italy at the San Paolo Stadium in Naples was a nerve-shredding encounter. After a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time, goalkeeper Sergio Goycochea became the hero in the shootout, saving two penalties to send Argentina to the final.

Netherlands 0-0 Argentina (Argentina won 4-2 on penalties) (2014 World Cup)
After 24 years, Argentina returned to the semi-final stage. At the Corinthians Arena, they played out a goalless draw against the Netherlands over 120 minutes. This time, goalkeeper Sergio Romero was the penalty hero, saving two Dutch attempts to give Lionel Messi his first taste of a World Cup final.

Argentina 3-0 Croatia (2022 World Cup)
At the Lusail Stadium, Argentina gave 2018 runners-up Croatia no chance. Lionel Messi's magical assist and Julian Alvarez's brace powered the Albiceleste to a 3-0 victory, ending a 36-year wait for the World Cup trophy.

England vs Argentina (2026 World Cup?)
Now, the football world awaits a blockbuster clash between two great rivals—England and Argentina—at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. What happens next remains to be seen.

Statistics show that Argentina have played the final in all five previous semi-finals. In 1978, the format was different and Argentina went straight to the final, which they won as well.

The 2026 semi-final against England will be a rematch of their historic 1986 quarter-final, where Maradona scored both the "Hand of God" and the "Goal of the Century."