Ronaldo backs tight England-Argentina World Cup semifinal as both sides eye Spain showdown

England and Argentina are set to clash in the World Cup 2026 semifinal on Wednesday, with a spot in Sunday's final against Spain on the line. The match brings together two of football's most storied national teams, each seeking to take one more step toward lifting the trophy.

"Fierce rivals clash for the right to meet Spain in Sunday's showpiece."

The StandardEngland vs Argentina: World Cup 2026 prediction, kick-off time, team news, TV, live stream, h2h results, odds

Argentina boast an illustrious World Cup history. According to Yahoo News New Zealand, La Albiceleste have won the tournament three times (in 1978, 1986, and 2022), making them one of the most successful sides in the competition's history. England, meanwhile, are chasing their first title since 1966.

Yahoo News New ZealandHow many World Cups has Argentina won? Full history of La Albiceleste's all-time record, results in FIFA final

Prediction models give England a clear but narrow edge. Tempo reported that analysis shows a 39.1 percent chance of England advancing to the final. Radio Times offered its own predictions for the game but did not specify a winner in the provided material, while Pulse Sports framed the match as "one step closer to bringing it home" for England.

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Radio TimesEngland v Argentina predictions: Who will win World Cup 2026 semi-final game?Pulse SportsEngland vs Argentina 2026 World Cup semifinal preview, team news, prediction and betting tips: One step closer to bringing it home

Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazario has weighed in on the semifinal. The former striker is expecting a close contest between the two sides. "Ronaldo Nazario is expecting a very close affair between England and Argentina in Wednesday's World Cup semi-final clash," HITC reported.

HITCRonaldo has just predicted the outcome of England vs Argentina in the World Cup semi-final

With Spain already in the final, the winner of this fixture will face a formidable opponent. The Standard noted that the semifinal winner will meet Spain in the showpiece on Sunday. As both teams prepare, the world will be watching to see whether England's 39.1 percent chance materializes or Argentina's knockout pedigree prevails.