The 2026 FIFA World Cup will see its first ever trans‑Atlantic semifinal as England prepares to meet Argentina in a clash that could rewrite football history.
England entered the last four after a hard‑fought 2‑1 victory over Norway, a win highlighted by two spectacular strikes from Jude Bellingham that underscored the team’s attacking depth.
Argentina, meanwhile, edged past Switzerland with two goals in extra time, a testament to their resilience and the tactical acumen of their coach.
The venue and timing
The showdown is slated for July 15 at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, kicking off at 2 p.m. Central Time. The match will be televised in the United States on Fox, with live streaming available through Fubo, the Fox One App and Peacock.
For England, the stakes are personal. A win would end a 58‑year World Cup drought, the last triumph having come in 1966 when they lifted the trophy on home soil.
Argentina, a nation that already boasts four titles, is chasing a place among the elite clubs of Italy and Germany, each of which have also secured four championships.
Betting markets currently list England at +155, a tie at +210 and Argentina at +190, reflecting the closely contested nature of the fixture.
Analysts expect a starting eleven that will feature Harry Kane leading the attack for England, while Lionel Messi will once again don the Argentina shirt, supported by a host of emerging talents such as Erling Haaland, Nico O'Reilly and Declan Rice.
The English backline is expected to include Jordan Pickford in goal, with a defensive quartet of Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Marc Guéhi and Kyle Walker, while midfield will be anchored by Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson.
Argentina’s defense may line up Emiliano Martínez, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez and Nicolás Tagliafico, with midfielders Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández and Rodrigo De Paul providing creativity.
Up front, the South American side could field Julián Álvarez alongside Messi, forming a partnership that promises both experience and youthful vigor.