With just one spot left in the 2026 World Cup final to be decided, the match between England and Argentina could become a historic moment for both teams. In the first half, not much occurred, with both teams committing many fouls and focusing more on stopping their opponents than creating chances.
A powerful team like England has done what was expected of them by reaching the semifinals, although not without suffering in the knockout rounds. Winning this match would send them to their second final, 60 years after their first one.
More dramatic has been Argentina’s run so far, as they have been close to elimination several times during the competition before fighting back. This could become the sixth World Cup final in their history, with three previous titles already secured.
England and Argentina reach halftime
45+3' The first half comes to an end.
Added time announced
45' Three minutes of added time are indicated.
Lisandro Martínez receives a yellow card for Argentina
41' Lisandro Martínez is shown a yellow card.
Enzo Fernández tests England from distance
38' Enzo Fernández takes a long-range shot that goes just wide.
Elliot Anderson receives a yellow card for England
37' Elliot Anderson is shown a yellow card.
England and Argentina look to bypass pressure
30' Both teams are looking to play long balls to get past the opposition's pressing.
The match resumes after hydration break
26' The match resumes after the hydration break.
Hydration break
23' The referee calls for a hydration break as the players take a pause.
Reece James creates danger for England
18' Reece James created danger down the right with a low cross that Emiliano Martínez intercepted.
England and Argentina exchange possession
12' Both teams are exchanging possession as the match remains evenly balanced.
Physical start
8' There have been plenty of fouls in the opening minutes of the match.
England control possession early
4' England have controlled possession in the opening minutes of the match.
Kickoff
The match between England and Argentina begins.
The referees
The referees for this match are Ismail Elfath (United States, main referee), Corey Parker (United States, assistant referee 1), Kyle Atkins (United States, assistant referee 2), Maurizio Mariani (Italy, fourth official), Daniele Bindoni (Italy, reserve assistant referee), Tomasz Kwiatkowski (Poland, video assistant referee), Dennis Higler (Netherlands, assistant VAR) and Guillermo Pacheco (Mexico, support VAR).
The next rival
The winner of this match advances to the final against Spain on July 19 at 15:00 at New York / New Jersey Stadium.
Their campaigns
England won Group L after beating Croatia, drawing with Ghana and beating Panama, before defeating DR Congo 2-1, Mexico 3-2 and Norway 2-1 in extra time. Argentina won Group J with victories over Algeria, Austria and Jordan, before beating Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time, Egypt 3-2 and Switzerland 3-1 in extra time.
Confirmed lineups
England: Pickford; James, Stones, Guehi, Spence; Rice, Anderson; Rogers, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.
Argentina: E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Li. Martinez, Tagliafico; Paredes, Mac Allister, Fernandez; Simeone, Messi, Alvarez.
The stadium
The venue for this match is Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. It has a capacity of 71,000.
Welcome!
Welcome to live coverage of the match between England and Argentina.
200+ Channels & Local Sports
- Price: Plans starting at $14.99/mo (Latino)
- Watch Ligue 1, Copa Libertadores & World Cup Qualifiers
Every MLS Match in One Place
- Price: $12.99/mo (Now included with standard subscription)
- Watch every MLS regular season game, Playoffs & Leagues Cup
Many Sports & ESPN Originals
- Price: $11.99/mo (or ESPN Unlimited for $29.99/mo)
- Features LaLiga, Bundesliga, FA Cup & NWSL
2,000+ Soccer Games Per Year
- Price: Starting at $8.99/mo
- Features Champions League, Serie A & Europa League
Home of the Premier League
- Price: Starting at $10.99/mo
- 175+ Exclusive EPL matches per season