2026 World Cup: England vs. Argentina Sets a Record for Number of Shots on Goal

More than just a World Cup semifinal, the opening minutes of England vs. Argentina felt like a full-blown battle. The highly anticipated matchup between two of the most historic rivals in soccer history began at a breakneck pace, but above all, it was marked by rough play.

In the first ten minutes of the match, there were a whopping seven fouls—a figure that, as Alberto Rimedio and Lele Adani pointed out during their live commentary on Rai, would set an all-time record for the start of a match at this level.

Both teams approached the match with great aggression. Tackles right on the edge of the rules, decisive challenges, and constant physical contact immediately heated up the atmosphere on the field, forcing the referee to stop play repeatedly. Even in the opening minutes, there was no shortage of tense moments and hints of scuffles among the players, confirming the enormous stakes and the historic rivalry between England and Argentina.

The seven fouls in the first ten minutes perfectly capture the intensity of the match. Both national teams opted for a physical approach right from the start, seeking to disrupt their opponents’ rhythm and assert their dominance in one-on-one battles.