The United State president, Donald Trump has backed England to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the Three Lions prepare to face defending champions Argentina in Wednesday’s semi-final in Atlanta. The endorsement adds political interest to one of football’s biggest rivalries, with England now two victories away from ending a 60-year wait for another world title.
England will meet Argentina at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on 15 July after both teams survived difficult knockout matches. The winner will advance to Sunday’s final against either France or Spain, who contest the other semi-final.
The White House’s support was reported ahead of the decisive match, although the endorsement does not affect the competition or FIFA’s sporting procedures. England must still overcome an experienced Argentina side led by Lionel Messi, who is seeking to guide his country to a second successive World Cup title.
England reached the last four after beating Norway 2-1 following extra time in the quarter-final. Jude Bellingham played a central role in the victory, continuing a strong tournament for Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Argentina secured their semi-final place with a 3-1 win over Switzerland. The defending champions have faced several demanding matches during the knockout stages but have repeatedly found ways to progress.
England’s only men’s World Cup triumph came on home soil in 1966, when they defeated West Germany 4-2 after extra time at Wembley. Geoff Hurst scored three goals in that final, becoming the first player to register a hat-trick in a men’s World Cup final. A victory in 2026 would therefore end one of the longest waits among football’s major national teams.
Wednesday’s match will revive a rivalry shaped by several controversial and memorable World Cup meetings.
England defeated Argentina 1-0 in the quarter-finals of the 1966 tournament. Twenty years later, Diego Maradona scored twice as Argentina won 2-1 in Mexico, including the disputed “Hand of God” goal and a second strike widely regarded as one of football’s greatest goals.
Argentina also eliminated England on penalties in the last 16 of the 1998 World Cup after David Beckham was sent off. England gained some revenge four years later when Beckham’s penalty secured a 1-0 group-stage victory in Japan.
The 2026 semi-final will be their first competitive meeting since that 2002 match. Coaches and players have attempted to focus on the football, despite the historical and political attention surrounding the fixture.
Argentina will again rely heavily on Messi, who remains central to their attack at the age of 39. The captain has continued to score important goals and create chances as Argentina pursue consecutive titles.
England’s main threat has come from Bellingham, whose performances have placed him among the tournament’s leading players. Captain Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and England’s other attacking options will also be expected to test Argentina’s defence.
England are monitoring the fitness of midfielder Declan Rice after he was taken off during the quarter-final because of illness. Reports indicate that he is improving and is expected to be available for the semi-final, although the final decision will depend on his condition before kick-off.
England and Argentina will meet in Atlanta on Wednesday, 15 July, with a place in the World Cup final at stake. The White House may have chosen its preferred winner, but the outcome will be decided on the pitch as England attempt to reach their first men’s World Cup final since 1966 and Argentina seek to defend the trophy they won in 2022.