England and Argentina rekindle one of international football’s greatest rivalries on Wednesday when they meet in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals. The old foes face off for the first time at a World Cup since 2002, with a place in the final on the line at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
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England vs Argentina Preview
England have hardly set the World Cup alight with their performances, but they have repeatedly found a way to win. Thomas Tuchel’s side came from behind to beat Norway 2-1 after extra-time in the quarter-finals, securing a fourth major tournament semi-final since 2018 – as many as they had managed in their entire history beforehand.
Standing in their way are defending champions Argentina, who have won all six matches at this year’s tournament and arrive on the back of 12 consecutive World Cup victories. However, Lionel Scaloni’s men are perhaps fortuitous to still be in the hunt for another world title after nervy knockout wins against Cape Verde, Egypt and Switzerland.
The Swiss looked to be getting on top at a key point until Breel Embolo stupidly got himself sent off, yet Argentina still needed extra time to prevail. Having gone to the well in all three of their knockout matches, there must be concerns about how much is left in the leg of this ageing Argentina side.
England Still Searching for Their Best
Despite reaching the last four, England’s performances continue to divide opinion. Tuchel openly criticised his side after the quarter-final victory over Norway, while match-winner Jude Bellingham defended the team’s commitment following another physically demanding contest in difficult conditions.
Bellingham has undoubtedly been England’s standout performer, taking his tournament tally to six goals with a spectacular equaliser before inspiring the comeback. However, Tuchel is still searching for a more composed and controlled version of his team, and England looked vulnerable once Norway increased the intensity of their pressing after the first cooling break.
The German’s substitutions, which had proved decisive earlier in the tournament, failed to improve matters in the quarter-final. England struggled to gain control, relied on a goalkeeping mistake from Orjan Nyland, and never truly looked comfortable. Their resilience has carried them this far, but facing the reigning world champions will be a far sterner examination.
Argentina Finding Ways to Win
Argentina have also been forced to dig deep during the knockout rounds. Lionel Scaloni’s side required extra-time to overcome both Cape Verde and Switzerland, while they were pushed all the way by Egypt earlier in the competition.
However, the reigning champions continue to find solutions when the pressure is at its greatest. Their 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland made it six wins from six at this World Cup and extended their winning run at the finals to 12 matches. With 17 goals, Argentina are also the tournament’s highest scorers and sit just one short of their all-time World Cup scoring record.
Julian Alvarez delivered the decisive moment against Switzerland, while three different players found the net to underline Argentina’s attacking depth. Lionel Messi may not have been at his dazzling best, but the 39-year-old remains hugely influential. His superb delivery from a corner created Alexis Mac Allister’s opener, giving him his second assist of the tournament, while his competition-leading expected assists figure highlights the creativity he continues to offer.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
England
England remain without suspended defender Jarell Quansah, while Declan Rice is expected to be fit after being withdrawn at half-time of the quarter-final victory over Norway due to illness. Reports suggest that Reece James will be fit enough to start at right-back in place of the banned Quansah.
Argentina
Leandro Paredes and Cristian Romero were both substituted with injuries in Argentina’s quarter-final win over Switzerland, but the pair are expected to be fit for Wednesday’s semi-final against England.
Predicted XI’s
Predicted England XI (4-2-3-1): Pickford; James, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane
Predicted Argentina XI (4-1-3-2): E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Li. Martinez, Tagliafico; De Paul, Paredes, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi, La. Martinez
England vs Argentina Verdict
There are clear similarities between these two sides. Both have survived difficult knockout ties without producing their best football, and neither will expect a comfortable evening in the semi-finals.
England possess outstanding individual quality, with Bellingham continuing to inspire them in key moments, while in Harry Kane they have a ready-made match winner. Off the bench, players such as Saka and/or Gordon can help inject energy at key points. Even big Dan Burn has made his presence felt as a substitute at this World Cup.
Argentina, meanwhile, will always believe they can overcome any situation as long as the little man from Rosario is on the pitch. Still, England may have too much quality and running power across the pitch.
Expect another tight encounter, but this is a good chance for the Three Lions to return to a World Cup final for the first time since 1966.
Verdict: England to qualify (8/11)
England vs Argentina: Date, Kick-Off Time and TV Coverage
When is England vs Argentina?
England take on Argentina on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 (UK/Ireland).
Where is England vs Argentina being played?
The match will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA).
Where can I watch England vs Argentina?
In Ireland, you can watch the match live on RTÉ 2 and RTÉ Player. In the UK, coverage is available on BBC One & BBC iPlayer.
England vs Argentina Odds
- England to win: 8/5
- Draw: 37/20
- Argentina to win: 2/1
- Both Teams to Score: 17/20
- Over 2.5 Goals: 13/10
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