Argentina advances to the 2026 World Cup semifinals after beating Switzerland 3-1 on July 12, and Rodrigo De Paul reflects on the upcoming clash with England and what this team has built over nine years. With 92 caps for the national team, the midfielder still feels disbelief at how far he’s come.

What does facing England mean to De Paul?

For De Paul, the match against England isn’t just another game. There are stories, memories, emotions that go beyond football. He recalls Diego Maradona’s 1986 heroics, the chants honoring the Malvinas heroes, but insists: "This is a match. The Malvinas must be discussed elsewhere." He wants focus on the game, not the politics.

Why is this team leaving a legacy beyond trophies?

De Paul speaks with the voice of someone who’s lived every emotion—from his first day in the squad to the World Cup win. He says the loveliest thing isn’t the gold, but that people remember this group for self-love, the joy they brought the country, and the bond they forged. "So many things come up," he admits, watching nine years flash before his eyes.

What comes after the match against England?

With five straight wins in the 2026 World Cup—all since the tournament began—Argentina arrives at the England clash with full confidence. De Paul, 32, isn’t thinking about the end. He’s thinking about giving everything. "One step left," he says. Though he’s won everything, he’s still emotional, tired, and more alive than ever. The jersey still weighs heavy, but it still lights the way.

How does De Paul experience this long journey?

Every time he sees the team in the semifinals, he thinks of his grandfather Osvaldo, of Tini, of the Obelisco crowds. It’s not just sport. It’s memory. It’s family. It’s a nation united. "I never thought I’d live this again," he admits. Though he has two Copa Américas, a Finalissima, and a World Cup, what drives him now is the chance to reach another final. Not for the trophy. For the soul in every pass, every run, every scream.