Live Blog! England vs Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026
Follow every moment of this football classic as England and Argentina battle it out in the second semifinal of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Which nation will earn the right to face Spain in the final?
ARGENTINA'S STARTING XI CONFIRMED
Lionel Scaloni will go with Emiliano Martínez in goal.
The back line will feature Nicolas Tagliafico, Lisandro Martínez, Cristian Romero and Nahuel Molina.
In midfield, Argentina will line up with Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez.
There is a surprise in attack, as Giuliano Simeone will join Julián Alvarez and Lionel Messi up front.
ENGLAND'S STARTING XI CONFIRMED
Jordan Pickford will start in goal.
In defense, Reece James returns to the lineup and will partner John Stones, Marc Guehi and Djed Spence.
The midfield will feature Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham and surprise inclusion Morgan Rodgers.
Up front, England will rely on Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane.
Atlanta Stadium is the stage for the sixth World Cup chapter of one of international football's greatest rivalries.
England leads the all-time World Cup series 3-2, but Argentina's victories are the ones etched in football history: the iconic 2-1 quarterfinal win at Mexico 1986, powered by Diego Maradona's unforgettable brace at the Estadio Azteca, and the dramatic Round of 16 clash at France 1998, which ended 2-2 before La Albiceleste advanced 4-3 on penalties.
Moroccan referee Ismail Elfath will officiate tonight's blockbuster semifinal.
Welcome to the Live Blog of England vs. Argentina, the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal!
🏟️ When and Where
England and Argentina will face off on Wednesday, July 15, in the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match will be played at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, United States.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT, with American referee Ismail Elfath assigned to officiate the match.
📺 How and Where to Watch England vs Argentina
beIN SPORTS will once again serve as an official broadcaster of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing the excitement of the tournament to audiences across France and the MENA region with full coverage, analysis, news, and the biggest matches from the world’s most important football event.
Click here to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup on beIN SPORTS Connect
If you are outside these regions, here is the complete list of official broadcasters for the 2026 FIFA World Cup around the world.
🏴 England's Preview
England booked its place in the semifinals after surviving a grueling quarterfinal battle against Norway. Thomas Tuchel's side needed extra time to earn a 2-1 victory thanks to a sensational brace from Jude Bellingham, who once again delivered when his country needed him most.
The Three Lions have shown tremendous resilience throughout the knockout rounds and continue to look like genuine contenders to lift the World Cup trophy for the first time since 1966.
Now they face the defending champions in what promises to be one of the tournament's defining matches.
🇦🇷 Argentina's Preview
Argentina returns to the World Cup semifinals after surviving its third consecutive heart-stopping knockout match. Lionel Scaloni's side defeated Switzerland 3-1 after extra time thanks to a stunning strike from Julián Álvarez before Lautaro Martínez sealed the victory with another goal as the clock was winding down.
The reigning world champions have been forced to battle through adversity in every knockout round, but they have repeatedly shown the character and quality required to survive under immense pressure.
With back-to-back World Cup titles within reach, Argentina now faces another enormous challenge against one of Europe's strongest sides.
⭐ Players to Watch
🏴 Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham has been England's most influential player throughout the tournament. The dynamic midfielder has already scored six goals, an extraordinary return for someone operating from midfield, while consistently dictating the tempo of England's play.
His ability to carry the ball forward, arrive late into the box, dominate physically, and deliver in decisive moments makes him the heartbeat of Thomas Tuchel's team and one of the biggest threats Argentina will have to contain.
🇦🇷 Lionel Messi
Who else but Lionel Messi? The Argentine captain heads into the semifinal with eight goals in the tournament and another opportunity to strengthen his already remarkable World Cup legacy.
Although he wasn't at his most influential during the quarterfinal against Switzerland, Messi remains the most important player in Lionel Scaloni's squad. His vision, creativity, leadership, and unmatched ability to decide matches mean England cannot afford to give him even the smallest amount of space.
🎯 Final Analysis
For perhaps the first time in this World Cup, sportsbooks have been unable to identify a clear favorite. The odds are remarkably even, reflecting just how closely matched these two footballing giants have been throughout the tournament.
It has been a long time since bookmakers viewed a World Cup semifinal as evenly balanced as this one. Every sign points toward a match that could be decided by the smallest of margins, making this a true toss-up. One thing, however, seems guaranteed: football fans are in for an unforgettable spectacle with emotions running at their highest.
