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?
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Thanks for following this epic 2-1 comeback victory by Argentina over England in the second semifinal of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
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FULL TIME
Despite England's late push for an equalizer, it wasn't enough. Argentina completes a dramatic comeback against its fiercest rival to book a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final, where the reigning champions will face Spain with back-to-back world titles on the line.
Final Score: England 1-2 Argentina
90'+2' GOAL FOR ARGENTINA! LAUTARO MARTÍNEZ!
Lautaro Martínez powers home a header at the far post to give Argentina the lead in stoppage time. The goal comes after a cross from the right and a clever touch off the post by Alexis Mac Allister, completing a dramatic comeback for La Albiceleste.
Score: England 1-2 Argentina
85' GOALAZO FOR ARGENTINA!
Enzo Fernández unleashes a stunning right-footed strike from the top of the box, finding the back of the net just one minute after Jordan Pickford had denied him from a similar position.
Score: England 1-1 Argentina
80' The "Toro" is on
Lautaro Martínez comes on for Nicolás Tagliafico as Argentina throws everything forward in search of the equalizer. The substitution comes after huge defensive interventions from Reece James and Harry Kane inside their own box. La Albiceleste refuses to give up.
Score: England 1-0 Argentina
77' Argentina pushes for the equalizer
The Three Lions have stopped pressing forward, allowing Argentina to take control of the match. The Albiceleste has created three dangerous opportunities — two through Nico González and one from Alexis Mac Allister — while Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernández continue looking to hurt England with crosses into the box.
Score: England 1-0 Argentina
68' What a save by Jordan Pickford!
The England goalkeeper comes up huge to deny Nico González's header after a pinpoint cross from Enzo Fernández. Nico González entered the match in the 64th minute as a substitute for Leandro Paredes.
Score: England 1-0 Argentina
54' GOAL FOR ENGLAND!
Anthony Gordon puts the Three Lions ahead after tapping the ball home with his right foot at the far post. Morgan Rodgers delivers a cross from the right side, and England takes the lead after finding space behind Nahuel Molina.
Score: England 1-0 Argentina
46' Argentina threatens!
Julián Álvarez forces a save from Jordan Pickford with a powerful low shot from a tight angle on the right side, and Giuliano Simeone follows with a header. Argentina has created two dangerous opportunities, but the England goalkeeper has stood tall to keep the match scoreless.
Score: England 0-0 Argentina
Second half underway
Both teams return to the pitch with the same lineups. No substitutions have been made.
Score: England 0-0 Argentina
Halftime: England 0-0 Argentina
England closes out the first half with a shot from a difficult angle. The opening 45 minutes have delivered a tense, physical battle with both teams committing to tough challenges. Lionel Messi and Jude Bellingham have been the most influential and dangerous players on the pitch.
It has been a tightly contested, defensive affair so far.
Score: England 0-0 Argentina
42' Second yellow card of the match, first for Argentina
Lisandro Martínez is shown a yellow card after a strong challenge on Jude Bellingham near midfield. The intensity remains high as both teams continue battling in a heated semifinal.
Score: England 0-0 Argentina
38' Argentina comes close
Enzo Fernández unleashes a powerful strike from outside the box and nearly puts Argentina ahead 1-0 at Atlanta Stadium. The Argentine fans erupt, believing the shot had found the back of the net.
Score: England 0-0 Argentina
37' England booked
Elliot Anderson is shown a yellow card after bringing down Lionel Messi. The Argentine captain had produced a brilliant run in the final third, dribbling past four England players, including Harry Kane.
Score: England 0-0 Argentina
32' England nearly breaks the deadlock
Jude Bellingham wins a free kick just outside the box, and Reece James delivers a dangerous cross to the far post. John Stones rises highest and gets a header away, but his attempt lacks accuracy, giving England the first shot on target of the match.
Score: England 0-0 Argentina
27' England nearly pays the price
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford makes a costly mistake while attempting to clear the ball, allowing Lionel Messi to win possession. However, after Messi tried to set up his teammates, Argentina's attack broke down on the edge of the box.
Score: England 0-0 Argentina
25' Argentina responds
The South Americans have put aside the physical battle and are now taking the initiative, pushing forward and looking to break into the penalty area. An offside call on one attack and England's defensive composure have kept La Albiceleste from finding the breakthrough.
Score: England 0-0 Argentina
15' Tensions continue
Enzo Fernández and Giuliano Simeone have joined the physical battle, adding more intensity with tough challenges against England. Spaces are beginning to open up, but neither team has been able to create clear-cut chances, with Anthony Gordon leading the attack for the Three Lions and Lionel Messi trying to spark Argentina's offense.
Score: England 0-0 Argentina
3' Tensions flare up
The rivalry is already showing its intensity, as Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina have gone into heavy challenges and exchanged words with the England players following a foul on Messi. The Three Lions responded after Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham were involved in physical clashes.
Score: England 0-0 Argentina
THE MATCH IS UNDERWAY!
Argentina and England meet for the sixth time in FIFA World Cup history. This marks Lionel Messi's first-ever World Cup clash against the Three Lions.
Score: England 0-0 Argentina
TOTAL TENSION
The national anthems of both teams were met with boos from the opposing supporters. The atmosphere was so intense that it was barely possible to hear either country's anthem in full.
It is clear that this is more than just a match — it is a true rivalry fueled by pride.
THE ATMOSPHERE AT ATLANTA STADIUM
Argentine supporters are the majority inside the home of the Atlanta Falcons. A spectacular atmosphere is expected for this highly anticipated clash.
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.
