Argentina's Possible Lineup to Face England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Semifinals

Lionel Scaloni is expected to stick with the core of the team that defeated Switzerland, with Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez leading Argentina's attack in pursuit of another World Cup Final.

Argentina aims to defend its world title

Argentina is just one victory away from reaching another FIFA World Cup Final and keeping its hopes of back-to-back titles alive. After overcoming Egypt and Switzerland in two hard-fought knockout matches, the reigning world champions now face England in one of international football's greatest rivalries.

Lionel Scaloni's side has had to battle through difficult moments throughout the knockout stage, but it has also shown remarkable resilience and composure under pressure. Waiting on the other side is an England team inspired by the outstanding performances of Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.

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How And Where To Watch: England vs Argentina

Scaloni is expected to keep faith in his winning lineup

Everything points to Lionel Scaloni naming almost the same starting XI that secured Argentina's place in the semifinals.

Emiliano "Dibu" Martínez will continue in goal behind a back four expected to feature Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez and Nicolás Tagliafico.

Leonardo Balerdi remains Argentina's only unavailable player, leaving Scaloni with little reason to alter a defensive unit that has delivered in the tournament's biggest moments.

Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Argentina Training - Atlanta United Training Centre, Marietta, Georgia - July 14, 2026 Argentina's Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul and Lionel Messi during training REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli

A midfield built to compete

Argentina's midfield is expected to remain one of the team's greatest strengths.

Enzo Fernández and Leandro Paredes should provide balance and distribution from central areas, while Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Allister add energy, work rate and attacking support.

Beyond creating chances, the four midfielders will have another crucial responsibility: limiting Jude Bellingham's influence and preventing England from dictating the tempo of the match.

Scaloni has built a midfield capable of controlling games both in and out of possession, a balance that has been essential throughout Argentina's World Cup campaign.

Messi will once again lead the attack

No changes are expected in Argentina's frontline.

Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez are set to start together once again after developing one of the tournament's most dangerous attacking partnerships.

Argentina's captain heads into the semifinals as one of the leading scorers at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will be looking to add to his tally against an England defense that has been one of the tournament's strongest.

Messi's creativity between the lines and Álvarez's relentless movement will once again be Argentina's primary attacking weapons as La Albiceleste looks to book another place in the World Cup Final.