A fierce rivalry will be renewed as England take on defending champions Argentina in their 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal match on Wednesday evening in Atlanta.
England, who have not been as convincing throughout the tournament, beat Norway 2-1 after extra time in the quarterfinals. This is their fourth major tournament semifinal match since 2018.
Thomas Tuchel’s side have won all their knockout matches at this year’s World Cup by one-goal margins and are now facing their toughest opponents yet in Lionel Messi’s Argentina. England are seeking a first World Cup title since 1966.
Argentina were also forced into extra time in their quarterfinal clash against Switzerland, eventually emerging as 3-1 winners to book their place in a second successive semifinal. Messi leads the scoring charts at the tournament with eight goals, tied with France’s Kylian Mbappe.
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Lionel Scaloni’s side have won all six games they have played at the 2026 World Cup. Their 17 goals make them the top scorers in the competition as they seek to make history by winning back-to-back titles.
England have been knocked out in the semis both in 1990 and 2018, as they hope to break that duck here to book a place in that elusive final. The last time they played in a World Cup final was when they hosted and won it 1966.
With a place in Sunday’s final on the line, we can expect the best from both teams – but only one will go through. Will it be the Three Lions of England, or will Argentina prove to be too good for them?
We have a look at both teams ahead of the highly anticipated match and offer our predicted outcome.
Betway
What time does England vs Argentina start?
The match kicks off at 10PM E.A.T at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium
England vs Argentina team news
Jarrell Quansah remains suspended for England after he was sent off against Mexico in the round of 16. He is joined by an ailing Declan Rice on the sidelines.
Reece James came off the bench against Norway and could push for a start here, for a rare partnership with Elliot Anderson in midfield. Bukayo Saka is also due a start here with Noni Madueke relegated to the bench.
Eberechi Eze and Morgan Rogers also came off the bench in the last game, with the same fate expected here as well, as Anthony Gordon retains his place in the starting XI.
Captain Harry Kane and Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham are joint-top scorers for England with six goals, and they will both start.
As for Argentina, Messi has been their greatest source of inspiration, and he will lead the attacking line. He comes into the game as the World Cup all-time top scorer (21) and assister (10).
Lautaro Martinez came off the bench in the win against the Swiss and may have to settle for the same here as Julian Alvarez retains his starting role.
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Both scorer Cristian Romero and Leandro Paredes limped off in the quarterfinal win but are both expected to be fit to start here.
England vs Argentina head-to-head and current form
Both teams are unbeaten in their last five matches leading up to this mouthwatering semifinal, with Argentina boasting a longer run – winning their last 13 games in all competitions.
This will be the sixth time these sides are meeting in this competition – and England have not lost to Argentina since the 1998 edition.
Current form:
England – WWWWD
Argentina – WWWWW
Betway
England vs Argentina previous games
- England 3-2 Argentina (November 12, 2005)
- Argentina 0-1 England (June 7, 2002)
- England 0-0 Argentina (February 23, 2000)
- Argentina 2 (4) – England 2 (3) (June 30, 1998)
- England 2-2 Argentina (May 25, 1991)
England vs Argentina prediction
Both teams have averaged over two goals in their World Cup matches and we can expect both teams to at least get a goal on the day.
However, Argentina have been more free flowing in form of goal and definitely have the quality to finish off the game within the 90 minutes.
England’s fighting spirit has been evident throughout the tournament and with the history between the two nations, they can also prove to be very difficult to put down.
Prediction – Both teams to score
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