The second semi-final of the FIFA World Cup takes place at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday evening, where England and Argentina reignite a historic rivalry that has been dormant for 21 years. The winner will earn a place in Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium against Spain.

Spain booked their spot in the final on Tuesday after defeating France 2–0 at Dallas Stadium. Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty in the 22nd minute, followed by Pedro Porro’s strike in the 58th minute, ending France’s campaign in commanding fashion. England and Argentina now know what lies ahead should they emerge victorious.

This match carries deep historical significance. From the infamous ‘Hand of God’ to the ‘Goal of the Century’, from Rattin’s sending off in 1966 to Michael Owen’s brilliance in 1998 — every encounter between these two nations has delivered unforgettable moments. Out of 14 previous meetings, England have won six and lost twice, while Argentina boast an unbeaten record in five previous World Cup semi-finals.

Date: Wednesday, 15 July 2026

Kick-off: 20:00 BST

Venue: Atlanta Stadium

Referee: Ismail Elfath (USA)

Last meeting: England 3–2 Argentina, 11 November 2005 (friendly)

Manager Thomas Tuchel will be without suspended defender Jarell Quansah and midfielder Jordan Henderson, who remains out with a broken wrist. The rest of the squad is fully fit. Declan Rice has recovered from the stomach illness that limited him to 45 minutes against Norway and is confirmed to start.

Reece James, back from a hamstring issue, is expected to feature at right-back. Bukayo Saka, who has been carefully managed throughout the tournament, is also set to start after making a decisive impact from the bench in the previous match against Norway. Captain Harry Kane will earn his 121st international cap, overtaking Wayne Rooney as the most-capped outfield player in England’s history.

For Argentina, coach Lionel Scaloni faces tactical decisions rather than injury worries. Cristian Romero was withdrawn at half-time during extra time against Switzerland due to fatigue, with Facundo Medina pushing for a starting role. Both Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez scored in extra time of that match, giving Scaloni a tough choice over who partners Lionel Messi in attack.

Reports from Argentina indicate Scaloni experimented with a back-three system in training, though insiders believe he will stick with his usual setup. The midfield quartet of Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, and Alexis Mac Allister is expected to remain intact. Messi, facing England for the first time in his illustrious career, is certain to start.

England have won six of their seven matches in this World Cup, with a draw against Ghana being their only dropped points. Their knockout run has been driven by Jude Bellingham, who scored twice against Mexico and twice more against Norway. England defeated Mexico 3–2 despite being reduced to ten men and later overcame Norway after extra time in Miami.

Both Kane and Bellingham have six goals each in the tournament. While England’s performances have not always been dominant, they have shown resilience, winning every knockout match to reach Atlanta — now one step away from their first World Cup final since 1966. Spain, their potential opponents in the final, have conceded only one goal in seven matches.

Argentina, meanwhile, have been in scintillating form with six victories from six matches, scoring 17 goals — just one shy of their all-time World Cup record. Each knockout tie has brought drama: they needed extra time to beat Cape Verde, a dramatic comeback from 2–0 down with 11 minutes left against Egypt, and another extra-time win over Switzerland, sealed by Álvarez’s spectacular strike.

The quarter-final against Switzerland marked the first time in this tournament that Messi failed to score, though he provided the assist for Mac Allister’s opener. Argentina have scored three goals in each of their last four matches and have never lost a World Cup semi-final. This encounter will be Messi’s first-ever match against England.

England predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Pickford; James, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.

Argentina predicted XI (4-4-2): Emiliano Martinez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Tagliafico; Paredes; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi, Alvarez.

The match will be broadcast live in the United Kingdom on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with pre-match coverage starting at 19:00 BST.