The FIFA World Cup 2026 serves up one of international football’s greatest rivalries as Argentina take on England in the second semifinal. The match will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, with the winner advancing to the World Cup final to face either Spain or France. The clash is especially significant as Lionel Messi is set to face England for the first time in his international career, adding another chapter to one of football’s most historic rivalries.
Match Details
- Match: Argentina vs England
- Tournament: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Semifinal
- Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2026
- Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Kick-off: 3:00 PM EDT / 8:00 PM BST
- Nepal Time: 12:45 AM NPT (Thursday, July 16)
Argentina vs England Kick-off Time in Asian Countries
| Country | Kick-off Time |
|---|---|
| Nepal | 12:45 AM (July 16) |
| India | 12:30 AM (July 16) |
| Pakistan | 12:00 AM (July 16) |
| Bangladesh | 1:00 AM (July 16) |
| Sri Lanka | 12:30 AM (July 16) |
| Bhutan | 12:45 AM (July 16) |
| Myanmar | 1:00 AM (July 16) |
| Thailand | 2:00 AM (July 16) |
| Vietnam | 2:00 AM (July 16) |
| Indonesia (Jakarta) | 2:00 AM (July 16) |
| Malaysia | 3:00 AM (July 16) |
| Singapore | 3:00 AM (July 16) |
| Philippines | 3:00 AM (July 16) |
| China | 3:00 AM (July 16) |
| Japan | 4:00 AM (July 16) |
| South Korea | 4:00 AM (July 16) |
Team News
Argentina
Defending champions Argentina booked their place in the semifinals after defeating Switzerland 3-1 after extra time. Lionel Messi remains the focal point of Lionel Scaloni’s side, while Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez and Alexis Mac Allister are all expected to start. Messi heads into the match looking to guide Argentina to a second consecutive World Cup final in what could be the final World Cup appearance of his legendary career.
England
England reached the last four after a hard-fought 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice. Thomas Tuchel is expected to stick with Harry Kane leading the attack, supported by Bellingham and Bukayo Saka. England are aiming to reach their first World Cup final since 1966 and will rely on their balance between experienced leaders and emerging stars.
Players to Watch
Argentina
- Lionel Messi
- Lautaro Martínez
- Julián Álvarez
- Alexis Mac Allister
England
- Harry Kane
- Jude Bellingham
- Bukayo Saka
- Declan Rice
Predicted Lineups
Argentina (4-4-2):
Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Thiago Almada; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez.
England (4-2-3-1):
Jordan Pickford; Kyle Walker, John Stones, Marc Guéhi, Luke Shaw; Declan Rice, Kobbie Mainoo; Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden; Harry Kane.
Head-to-Head
Argentina and England have met 14 times in international football.
- England wins: 6
- Argentina wins: 4
- Draws: 4
The two nations share one of football’s fiercest rivalries, highlighted by memorable World Cup encounters in 1966, 1986, 1998 and 2002. This semifinal marks their first meeting since an international friendly in 2005 and Messi’s first-ever senior international match against England.
Prediction
With two of football’s biggest nations meeting for a place in the World Cup final, this promises to be a tense and tactical contest. Argentina possess the experience and creativity of Lionel Messi, while England arrive with momentum and one of the tournament’s strongest midfields led by Jude Bellingham. The match could be decided by moments of individual brilliance.
Prediction: Argentina 2-1 England (After Extra Time).
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