World Cup: Pablo Zabaleta says England and Argentina share the same passion for football
By Joel Masibo, July 15, 2026Former Argentina defender Pablo Zabaleta believes England and Argentina are connected by an equally deep passion for football as the two nations prepare to battle for a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.
Now serving on FIFA’s Technical Study Group, the 41-year-old has spent the tournament closely examining matches across North America. His role involves assessing tactical developments, identifying emerging trends and sharing expert analysis from games throughout the competition.
Zabaleta’s views carry particular weight ahead of Wednesday’s, July 15, 2026 semi-final in Atlanta because of his extensive experience with both nations. He captained Argentina to the FIFA World Youth Championship title in 2005, where Lionel Messi began his journey with the national youth team. He later represented Argentina at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2015 and 2016 Copa America tournaments.
At club level, the former full-back built an impressive Premier League career, spending nine seasons at Manchester City before finishing with West Ham United.
With England and Argentina preparing to renew one of football’s most famous rivalries, memories of past World Cup clashes, including Antonio Rattin’s red card in 1966, Diego Maradona’s brilliance in 1986 and David Beckham’s decisive penalty in 2002, continue to add significance to the encounter.
Speaking to FIFA, Zabaleta shared his thoughts on the tournament and the highly anticipated semi-final.
Tactical trends at the World Cup
Asked about the biggest tactical patterns at the tournament, Zabaleta said: “Defensively, we have seen many teams opt for a compact low block, keeping the lines close together and denying their opponents space. Many teams are looking to stay solid at the back by defending deeper. Very few teams have consistently pressed high. Spain are one of the exceptions, as that approach is central to their game.”
He explained that Spain’s style is built around controlling possession and immediately pressing after losing the ball, while adding that the United States, Canada, Ecuador and France have also relied on aggressive high pressing.
On England and Argentina defending deep
Zabaleta acknowledged that both semi-finalists have occasionally adopted a more cautious defensive setup.
“Yes, England opted for that approach against Norway at times. Argentina also dropped a little deeper defensively in the second half against Switzerland,” he said.
On Argentina’s preference for attacking through the middle
Discussing Argentina’s style of play, Zabaleta explained: “It’s primarily because Argentina do not have any out-and-out wingers. Argentina have four midfielders – Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez. They are all players who prefer to link up and play close together, rather than staying out wide waiting for the ball and taking on players one on one. It’s not their style.”
He added that Argentina often build attacks through central areas, linking passes patiently, although he believes those possession spells can occasionally become too lengthy and reduce the team’s attacking threat.
According to Zabaleta, Argentina are at their most dangerous after winning the ball back and quickly finding Messi in space or playing direct passes for Julian Alvarez to chase behind opposing defenders.
On football culture in England and Argentina
Reflecting on his experiences in both countries, Zabaleta said the similarities are unmistakable.
“Yes, without a doubt. Football is something very special in England. Once you have played in the Premier League, you understand what it means to the English people. The fans look forward to going to a match at the weekend and will follow their team, home or away. The grounds are always packed, and supporters really get behind their team.”
He continued: “They’re so passionate and it is exactly the same in Argentina. We live and breathe football too. Whenever there is a World Cup, the whole country is a sea of blue and white shirts. My colleagues mention it all the time. They cannot believe how many Argentina shirts they see or how strongly everyone gets behind the team. The two countries share a very similar passion for the game.”
On the semi-final showdown
Looking ahead to the match, Zabaleta expects an intense contest.
“It is a semi-final between two teams who are always there or thereabouts and who have a longstanding World Cup rivalry. Both sides also boast some exceptional players. It is going to be an incredibly intense occasion.” He said.