Referee decisions spark controversy as 19 fouls mar first half of Argentina-England World Cup semifinal clash

Tempers were higher than ever during the 2026 World Cup semifinal between Argentina and England as both sides got physical in the game's first half. A total of 19 fouls were contested between both sides, but the first half remained goalless in Atlanta on Thursday.

Defending champions Argentina sealed a thrilling 2-1 victory over England, with goals in the second half from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez proving decisive against the Three Lions' solitary goal and helping them advance to their second consecutive final.

Foul-filled first-half ignites debate over refereeing

The Argentina-England World Cup semifinal clash had a tense first half, with La Albiceleste having 12 fouls while the Three Lions had seven. Only two yellow cards were shown by referee Ismail Elfath; one was against Elliot Anderson for his challenge on Lionel Messi in the 38th minute, leading to a heated face-off between players from both sides.

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Argentina's Lisandro Martínez received the second yellow card in the 42nd minute for pulling back Rogers, and he voiced his displeasure by protesting the referee’s decision. The referee's officiating raised major questions on how a single red card wasn't booked in the first half which was filled with roughness and physicality anong players.

The opening 45 minutes were marked by physicality and high tension as the two sides met in the World Cup for the first time since 2002.

Argentina-England semifinal makes unwanted history

The Argentina‑England semifinal in Atlanta became the first World Cup match to reach half‑time without a single shot on target. The second half was far more competitive as Anthony Gordon opened the Three Lions' scoring account with a goal in the 55th minute.

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But the defending champions pulled off a major turnaround late in the second half, with Fernandez scoring in the 85th minute to level the score, and Lautaro found the back of the net in extra time to help Argentina advance to the World Cup final.

Argentina will face Spain in one of the most highly anticipated World Cup summit clashes on Monday, July 20, 2026.