Historic Rivalries That Will Revive at World Cup 2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, will not only expand the tournament to 48 teams but also open the door to historical rivalries not seen in decades. The new format, with groups of four and a knockout stage featuring the top 32 teams, increases the likelihood of past classics returning to the scene. This article analyzes from a tactical perspective three duels that could revive in 2026: Argentina vs. England, Germany vs. Netherlands, and the inevitable United States vs. Mexico. Each represents not only an emotional chapter but a clash of styles that has evolved over time.
Argentina vs. England: The World Cup Classic
A History of Tension and Tactical Genius
The Argentina-England rivalry transcends football. From the Falklands War (1982) to the duels in Mexico 1986 and France 1998, each meeting has been a microcosm of national pride. However, they have not faced each other in a World Cup since that 2-2 draw in Saint-Étienne (1998), decided by penalties. In 2026, with both teams in the seeded pot (Argentina as defending champions and England among the top-ranked), a hypothetical knockout clash would be the first World Cup encounter in 28 years.
Tactical Evolution: From 4-4-2 to Modern Transitions
In the 1980s, England relied on a rigid 4-4-2 and long balls to forwards like Gary Lineker. Argentina, with Maradona, exploited improvisation and one-on-one play. Today, Scaloni's Argentina has modernized its scheme: a flexible 4-3-3 prioritizing possession and high pressing, with Messi as a false 9. England, first under Southgate and possibly a new coach by 2026, has adopted a 3-4-3 seeking control but vulnerable against teams that play in tight spaces. The match would test how the Albiceleste can neutralize the speed of players like Bukayo Saka with their three-man defense. Concrete data: in 1986, Argentina averaged 52% possession; in 1998, it dropped to 46%. Today, it exceeds 60% in recent tournaments. A potential clash in 2026 would measure that evolution.
Germany vs. Netherlands: The Rebirth of the Clockwork Orange
From Total Football to Gegenpressing
If there is a tactical rivalry par excellence, it is Germany-Netherlands. The 1974 final (2-1 for Germany) pitted Cruyff's total football against Beckenbauer's German efficiency. Then came the Dutch title in 1988 (European Championship) and the German revenge in 1990 (World Cup). Their last World Cup encounter was in the 1990 quarterfinals (2-1 Germany). Since then, they have only met in European Championships (2004, 2012) and friendlies. In 2026, with the Netherlands on the rise (semifinalists in 2022) and Germany rebuilding, both could meet in the round of 16 or quarterfinals.
21st Century Tactics: Possession vs. Transitions
Historically, Germany represented order and physical strength; the Netherlands, creativity and pressing. Today, the roles have blurred. Julian Nagelsmann's Mannschaft uses an attacking 4-2-3-1 aiming to win the ball high (gegenpressing), similar to Dutch DNA. Ronald Koeman's Oranje mix possession with quick transitions thanks to players like Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay. A key fact: in the last ten direct encounters (since 2005), Germany won 5, the Netherlands 2, and there were 3 draws. But the current tactical trend favors the Dutch if they impose their rhythm of circulation. The match would be a duel of high pressing vs. buildup from the back.
United States vs. Mexico: The Continental Rivalry Seeking a Global Leap
A Classic That Is Already Global
Unlike the previous ones, the USA-Mexico rivalry has been the most constant over the last 30 years, but at World Cups they have met only twice: the round of 16 in 2002 (2-0 for the United States) and the group stage in 2010 (1-1). With both as hosts in 2026 (United States and Mexico), the possibility of a knockout clash is very high. Plus, the new format allows two teams from the same continent to face off as early as the round of 16.
Tactical Difference: The Growth of the United States
Mexico has historically been the tactical dominator in CONCACAF, using a 4-3-3 with possession and quick transitions. However, the United States, under Gregg Berhalter (and possibly a replacement by 2026), has evolved toward a more physical and vertical style, backed by elite players like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Gio Reyna. The U.S. 4-3-3 relies on high pressing and speed on the wings. Mexico, under coach Jaime Lozano, maintains a touch-based style but lacks a defined number 9. In the last five official matches (2019–2023), the United States won 3, Mexico 1, and there was 1 draw. The rivalry in 2026 would test whether the American team has bridged the tactical gap with its southern neighbor.
Conclusion: A World Cup for New Chapters
The 2026 World Cup will not only be the largest in history but also the perfect stage to revive rivalries that shaped football. Argentina and England could offer a match of positional intelligence; Germany and the Netherlands, a showcase of intensity; while the United States and Mexico would demonstrate the maturity of North American football. Tactics, more than just history, will define the winners. Fans should prepare to see how classic styles adapt to modern football in a tournament that promises emotion and historical data.
