A couple from Suffolk, Matthew Holmes and his wife Silvana, are bracing themselves for a tense and exciting World Cup semi-final as they cheer on rival teams England and Argentina. The highly anticipated match will take place at 20:00 BST on 14 July 2026, with the winning team guaranteed a spot in the final against Spain.
For Matthew, an avid England fan, the game is a significant opportunity for his team to make history. 'It's going to be a really nervy night; as long as there are no penalties - I won't be able to watch,' he said in an interview with BBC Radio Suffolk's Wayne Bavin. Matthew's roots in English football run deep, having grown up watching iconic matches like the infamous Maradona goal that knocked England out of the 1986 World Cup.
Silvana, originally from Buenos Aires, is equally passionate about her team, Argentina. She described Lionel Messi as a 'god' in her country, not only for his exceptional football skills but also for his humility and leadership qualities. The couple said they first discussed football and politics when they started dating, with Silvana revealing that the Falklands conflict is a sensitive topic for her.
As the couple navigates their differing allegiances, their five-year-old daughter Amelie is caught in the middle, declaring she will wear her Argentina top in the first half and England in the second. Both Matthew and Silvana have predicted a 3-2 victory for their respective teams, adding to the excitement and tension ahead of the big match.