England and Argentina are ready to renew an historic World Cup rivalry as the two nations battle for a place in the final.
Spain await the winners of mouthwatering meeting in Atlanta between two sides that have shared plenty of memorable moments at this tournament over the last 60 years. Thomas Tuchel has been given a huge fitness boost after declaring Declan Rice fit to start the semi-final, but the England manager has decisions to make defensively as he bids to combat Lionel Messi – facing England for the first time in his career – and the rest of the attacking array at the disposal of the defending champions.
Can England advance to a men’s World Cup final for the first time since 1966? A politically-charged encounter could well be in store with security increased at the Atlanta Stadium, while Tuchel and Harry Kane have both hit out at suggestions of a rift in camp. They, and Argentina, now know it will be Spain in the final after the European champions comprehensively shut down France to book their spot in New York on Sunday. Who will join them?
Follow all of the latest ahead of England vs Argentina with our live blog below:
Read MoreEngland and Argentina’s epic rivalry is much deeper than just football
England v Argentina in a World Cup semi-final? It’s going to be agony
England vs Argentina LIVE
- England and Argentina battle for a place in the World Cup final | Live on BBC, kick off at 8pm BST
- Old foes renew World Cup rivalry with security increased in Atlanta
- TEAM NEWS: Declan Rice set to be fit to start in huge boost for England
- ANALYSIS: Where the semi-final will be won and lost
- Spain await the winner in tournament showpiece after shutting down France
- COPA INDEPENDENT: Listen to our latest podcast episode as England prepare for semi-final
England’s potential penalty takers in a World Cup shootout vs Argentina
14:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleEngland and penalties – it’s not always been a happy World Cup relationship, though their shootout record has improved dramatically of late. Lawrence Ostlere looks at who might take one if required against Argentina.
England’s potential penalty takers in a World Cup shootout vs Argentina
England v Argentina in a World Cup semi-final? It’s going to be agony
14:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleEngland are through to their fourth men’s World Cup semi-final where they meet fierce rivals Argentina on Wednesday night. If you’re new to this, writes Lawrence Ostlere, prepare for pain:
England v Argentina in a World Cup semi-final? It’s going to be agony
Culture secretary on way to Atlanta to watch England in semi-final
14:35 , Millie CookeCulture secretary Lisa Nandy will fly to the US today to watch England play Argentina in the semi-finals of the Fifa World Cup tonight, it is understood.
Sir Keir Starmer will watch the game from Downing Street, but he is expected to fly to the US if England make it through to the final.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Should there be a bank holiday if England win the World Cup?
14:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleDowning Street to set out bank holiday plans if England win tonight
14:25 , Millie CookeDowning Street has once again refused to be drawn on plans for a bank holiday if England win the Fifa World Cup.
Pressed on whether he can confirm plans for a bank holiday, the prime minister's spokesperson told reporters: "This is rather contingent on winning a World Cup first. We’ll set out any response to that in the event we beat Argentina tonight. The PM will be watching the game avidly."
Thomas Tuchel hails Lionel Messi – but insists England are ready for him
14:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleThomas Tuchel has hailed Lionel Messi’s qualities ahead of England’s first meeting with the Argentina captain – though insists his team are ready for the challenge.
"It's incredible, his campaign, tournament, how he carries that team, there are just no words," Tuchel said. "The achievement, quality, responsibility, what he shows in this tournament. He's just a leader. The key player in any team he plays, for sure in this Argentina side, you see the cohesion, the experience in this tournament football.
“ They are very experienced, a very good coach, they're together for a long time. They love to play in the middle of the pitch, they love to have the short passes, they're looking for the gaps, once Messi has the ball, the movements start. The technical execution of the delivery, of Messi, it's of the highest level. There's a lot to take care of. We're here to play our way, impose our style. We're here to play our way and push the luck our way, we know the obstacle but we're ready for it.”
What is it like to face Lionel Messi? Inside the mind of Argentina’s genius as England finally find out
14:05 , Harry Latham-CoyleRemarkably, today marks the first meeting for England with Lionel Messi – perhaps the greatest player of all time looking to go back-to-back as a World Cup winning captain. Miguel Delaney explains the mentality behind the Argentina No 10’s greatness.
What is it like to face Lionel Messi? Inside the mind of Argentina’s genius
From Tuchel’s outcast to England’s kingpin, how Jude Bellingham silenced his critics at the World Cup
13:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleNine months ago, Thomas Tuchel left out Bellingham and the 22-year-old came under severe criticism. Now he is in the midst of the greatest individual World Cup by an Englishman since 1966, Lawrence Ostlere writes.
From outcast to kingpin, how Jude Bellingham silenced his critics at the World Cup
Thomas Tuchel clears the air with Jude Bellingham after ‘unfair’ question: ‘It’s blown up in the media’
13:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleThomas Tuchel insists there are “no cracks” with Jude Bellingham and believes the pair are closer than ever before despite the England star publicly hitting back at his manager.
The pair’s relationship has been under the microscope since the German coach admitted last summer that his mother found some of Bellingham’s on-field antics “repulsive”.
Tuchel apologised for that remark and Bellingham has sparkled under him this summer, taking his World Cup tally to six goals with his brace in the 2-1 extra-time victory against Norway in Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final.
Tuchel clears the air with Bellingham: ‘It’s blown up’
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni plays down political tensions
13:27 , Harry Latham-CoyleArgentina manager Lionel Scaloni has also moved to play down any political tensions around the game amid the continued legacy of the Falklands War.
"The reality is that this is a football match. I can't mix things up, especially out of respect for what happened so many years ago," said Scaloni.
"It was a very sad period in our history, and there isn't much we can do about it, that's the reality.
"Things are happening elsewhere in the world, and we criticise the existence of war. We certainly remember those people, of course. But it is a football match; we shouldn't confuse the two."
Managers play down past tensions between nations
13:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleThomas Tuchel has said that England are blocking out the historical context of this encounter as much as possible ahead of the game.
"I would say it's irrelevant, but I'm not sure,” Tuchel admitted. “I think the players are aware, if the fixture provides iconic moments, you cannot say it's another football match But as a coach we do that. Focus on what we can influence.
“Between us we don't speak about historic events or iconic moments. In itself, it's iconic enough, the tension is big enough, we try to influence the players, what we want them to do and how to behave. Try to reduce the information the bigger the situation, hopefully to simplify it enough to execute it. We try what is maybe not possible, but the magnitude of the match is just what it is. It doesn't help if we engage emotionally."
Predict the England vs Argentina score ahead of kick off
13:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleMoo Deng predicts England v Argentina result ahead of World Cup semi-final
13:08 , The IndependentMoo Deng, the hippopotamus, has had her say. A pygmy prognosticator?
The truth about England v Argentina and where a chaotic World Cup semi-final will be decided
13:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleStill seven hours until the scheduled kick off – it could be a long old day and night. Miguel Delaney explains what to look out for when the football finally starts.
The truth about England v Argentina and where a chaotic semi-final will be decided
Could England v Argentina be delayed by storms? World Cup 2026 weather protocol explained ahead of semi-final
12:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleCould tonight’s game be delayed by storms? England have already faced one temporary postponement during this tournament, and Flo Clifford explains the situation in Atlanta if weather strikes.
Could England v Argentina be delayed by storms? World Cup weather protocol explained
Argentina’s vice-president calls England ‘usurping pirates’ in rant before World Cup clash
12:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleEngland has been called “invaders” and “usurping pirates” by Argentina’s vice-president in a bizarre rant ahead of the teams’ World Cup semi-final clash.
Political tensions linger between Argentina and Great Britain over the Falkland Islands, which boiled over into conflict in 1982.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said it would be “madness” to mix up sport and politics ahead of the match, but his country’s vice-president Victoria Villarruel stoked up the rhetoric around it in a post on X.
Argentina’s vice-president calls England ‘pirates’ in rant before World Cup clash
Fans say time for ‘Hand of God’ revenge as England set for Argentina semi-final
12:26 , PAEngland fans have said it is time for “revenge for the Hand of God” as supporters backed the Three Lions to reach the World Cup final if they can stop Argentina captain Lionel Messi.
Thousands of England supporters have descended on Atlanta ahead of Wednesday’s semi-final.
Fans say time for ‘Hand of God’ revenge as England set for Argentina semi-final
UK pubs expected to pour 14 million pints during England v Argentina World Cup semi-final
12:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleWhat are your plans tonight? Cram into a pub or wine bar? England’s deep World Cup run has proved profitable for plenty of publicans across the country.
Pubs expected to pour 14 million pints during England v Argentina
The two physical factors that may leave Argentina at a disadvantage for World Cup semi-final
12:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleYou’d say that Argentina have done it the hard way at this tournament. Their knockout run so far has featured two extra-time ties, plus the latest of late shows against Egypt. Could that cost them tonight? Richard Jolly ponders the question.
The two factors that may leave Argentina at a disadvantage for World Cup semi-final
WATCH: The most exclusive detail of England against Argentina
11:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleThomas Tuchel understands Argentina's kit superstition
11:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleSpeaking of kits, Argentina's dark blue jersey has become more than just an alternate strip. For many, it is part of the team's football folklore, a shirt stitched with some of the nation's most famous World Cup memories - and, perhaps, a little bit of good luck.
When the defending `champions face England in the World Cup semi-final in Atlanta, Lionel Messi and company will swap their traditional sky blue and white stripes for their dark blue away kit. Argentina wore dark blue against England in the quarter-finals of the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, when Diego Maradona scored his infamous "Hand of God" goal and dazzling solo effort later dubbed the "Goal of the Century" in a 2-1 victory. Twelve years later, Argentina again wore dark blue when they eliminated England on penalties in the round of 16 at the 1998 World Cup in France after a dramatic 2-2 draw.
England manager Thomas Tuchel understands the thinking."I would have done the same if there was any superstition combined with it," he told reporters on Tuesday. "So credit to them. I was not aware of that." The German acknowledged that even at the highest level of professional sport, superstition remains a powerful force.
England's rugby stars avoid wearing shirts in Buenos Aires
11:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere is one other England vs Argentina international clash this week, with Steve Borthwick’s rugby side preparing to take on the Pumas in Santiago del Estero on Saturday. England are currently staying in Buenos Aires, and are keeping their heads down ahead of their footballing counterparts’ match tonight.
“I think, bearing in mind where we are and who we’re playing with, we’ve been pretty sensible about not wearing our English shirts around too much,” said lock Alex Coles.
“I definitely love my football. I think there’s a fair bunch of us that do. We watched the previous game after our game at the weekend, on in a rooftop bar in Liverpool, and it was very cool. Everyone was getting very excited.
“We’re very proud to represent our country playing rugby, and I think that translates to real excitement around watching England in any sport, and World Cup fever – it is sort of like no other with the football, isn’t it?”
Demand for accommodation in Atlanta rises ahead of England v Argentina semi-final
11:20 , Harry Latham-CoylePlenty of England and Argentina fans have made the trip to Atlanta for a significant fixture in both nations’ football histories. Are you there? Let us know!
Demand for accommodation in Atlanta rises ahead of England v Argentina semi-final
England v Argentina in a World Cup semi-final? It’s going to be agony
11:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleReady for tonight, England fans? Lawrence Ostlere is expecting an agonising evening...
England v Argentina in a World Cup semi-final? It’s going to be agony
VOTE! Should there be a bank holiday if England win the World Cup?
10:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleDowning Street shows its colours
10:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleKeir Starmer is helming his final cabinet meeting as prime minister this morning, with 10 Downing Street bedecked in English colours.
Will England get a Bank Holiday if we win the World Cup? Here’s when it could be as Argentina semi-final looms
10:30 , Bryony GoochThe government is considering an extra bank holiday if England wins the World Cup, with the final set to take place next Sunday.
It is understood that Friday 24 July has been earmarked for a celebratory bank holiday if England wins the tournament, 60 years after its first and only victory in the competition.
Will England get a Bank Holiday if team wins the World Cup?
Who is Ismail Elfath? England v Argentina referee for World Cup semi-final
10:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt could be a big night for Ismail Elfath – born in Morocco, the referee has forged his officiating career in the United States and takes charge of today’s semi-final.
Who is Ismail Elfath? England v Argentina referee for World Cup semi-final
England-Argentina – the tale of the tape
10:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleHere’s how England and Argentina match up ahead of tonight’s semi-final.
Argentina fans out in force in Atlanta
10:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Argentina fans have provided plenty of colour during this tournament, and Atlanta looked lively yesterday!
BANDERAZO ARGENTINO EN ATLANTA 🇦🇷@Quilmes_Cerveza 🍻 pic.twitter.com/lLygS7ybAp
— TNT Sports Argentina (@TNTSportsAR) July 15, 2026
COPA INDEPENDENT: How Spain dismantled France – plus our England v Argentina predictions
09:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleLawrence Ostlere is joined by Miguel Delaney and Kieran Jackson to discuss Spain’s stunning win over France. Should Didier Deschamps have started with three in midfield? Why did France’s stars play so poorly? And can anyone stop Spain winning a second World Cup?
Plus, Miguel is in Atlanta to watch England take on Argentina in a mouth-watering showdown between two World Cup heavyweights. How will the emotive history between the two countries affect the game? Will Thomas Tuchel make changes to his starting XI? And what do England do about Lionel Messi?
An advantage for Spain?
09:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleInterestingly, the last three World Cup finals have all been won by the team that progressed from the first of the semi-final encounters at the tournament. Correlation does not equal causation, and the trend had actually gone the other way before that, but Spain will have an extra day of rest before Sunday’s decider.
Here’s how they got there:
How an unlikely Spain source stunned France to clinch World Cup final berth
Ezri Konsa reveals he hasn't watched any of Argentina's games
09:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleEzri Konsa appears under strong consideration to retain his starting spot at right-back for England tonight – but the Aston Villa defender has revealed he hasn’t actually yet watched any Argentina games from this World Cup.
“I’m sure when we have the meeting [before the match], we’ll see some clips of them and see what we can do to overcome them,” he said.
“We are going to focus on ourselves and what the manager tells us tomorrow. We know they have great players, world-class players, but so do we.
“So, like I said before, I think for us the main thing is focusing on ourselves. We don’t want to focus too much on them. We know what they have and we know what we have.”
From Tuchel’s outcast to England’s kingpin, how Jude Bellingham silenced his critics at the World Cup
09:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleEngland have their own star No 10 at this tournament. Jude Bellingham doesn’t quite do things like Lionel Messi, but Lawrence Ostlere believes he’s silenced his critics.
From outcast to kingpin, how Jude Bellingham silenced his critics at the World Cup
Why an emotionally-charged Argentina need to win this World Cup more than you might think
09:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleEngland have carried plenty of emotion through this tournament, but Argentina seem to have plenty to play for. Ed Malyon looks at why this World Cup is more important than it might first appear for the defending champions.
Why emotionally-charged Argentina need to win World Cup more than you might think
The ‘anti-football’ red card that explains why Lionel Messi has never faced England
09:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt is 21 years since Argentina and England last met, which just about encompasses Lionel Messi’s entire international career. Indeed, Messi would have played in that 2005 friendly if not for a controversial red card on debut – Kieran Jackson explains...
The ‘anti-football’ red card that explains why Lionel Messi has never faced England
What is it like to face Lionel Messi? Inside the mind of Argentina’s genius as England finally find out
08:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleRemarkably, today marks the first meeting for England with Lionel Messi – perhaps the greatest player of all time looking to go back-to-back as a World Cup winning captain. Miguel Delaney explains the mentality behind the Argentina No 10’s greatness.
What is it like to face Lionel Messi? Inside the mind of Argentina’s genius
HAVE YOUR SAY! Predict the score of England vs Argentina
08:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleAtlanta police increase security for England vs Argentina World Cup semi-final
08:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleAtlanta police have stepped up their security measures in anticipation of potential fan clashes in the city today as England and Argentina supporters mingle. Luke Baker has the story.
Atlanta police increase security for England vs Argentina World Cup semi-final
England and Argentina’s epic rivalry is much deeper than just football
08:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleWondering to what history Thomas Tuchel might be referring? Miguel Delaney chronicles the England-Argentina rivalry, storied at World Cups but extending rather deeper off the field...
England and Argentina’s epic rivalry is much deeper than just football
Thomas Tuchel says Argentina 'fuelled by history' ahead of England clash
08:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleThomas Tuchel says gritty England are ready to face an Argentina team “fuelled by history” as his side look to create their own by reaching a second World Cup final.
All eyes will be on Atlanta for what is sure to be a fiery last-four clash between these historic rivals, when the German coach is seeking to set up a Sunday showpiece against Spain.
This is England’s fourth World Cup semi-final and Tuchel is looking to lead them to a first men’s final since Sir Alf Ramsey’s heroes lifted the trophy in 1966.
Reigning champions Argentina stand in their way, with dramatic previous encounters and tensions over the Falklands War in 1982 feeding into a side willing Lionel Messi onto another global title.
“I know some of the players, I coached some of the players, I can sense it,” England boss Tuchel said. “You can see it. They have this kind of edge.
“You can sense it when they’re going a goal down, and when matches are tight. They’re a tough team to beat. It’s just what it is. They’re a tough group.”
Inside Thomas Tuchel’s relationship with Jude Bellingham at the heart of England’s World Cup
08:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe relationship between coach and star player can be a complex one – and Thomas Tuchel and Jude Bellingham haven’t always seen eye-to-eye. Miguel Delaney examines the pair’s past and present.
Inside the Tuchel-Bellingham relationship at the heart of England’s World Cup
Thomas Tuchel clears the air with Jude Bellingham after ‘unfair’ question: ‘It’s blown up in the media’
07:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleDeclan Rice’s availability will please Thomas Tuchel; continued questions over his relationship with Jude Bellingham will not. Tuchel has cleared the air with the midfielder after what he described as an “unfair” situation as the pair jousted in separate TV interviews following the win over Norway.
Tuchel clears the air with Bellingham after ‘unfair’ question: ‘It’s blown up’
Thomas Tuchel confirms Declan Rice ‘ready to start’ against Argentina after illness
07:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere’s good news overnight for England supporters – Declan Rice is seemingly fit to start after overcoming the illness that has bothered him in the last week or so.
Thomas Tuchel confirms Declan Rice ‘ready to start’ against Argentina after illness
The truth about England v Argentina and where a chaotic World Cup semi-final will be decided
07:37 , Harry Latham-CoyleBig game. Big day. Miguel Delaney sets the scene from Atlanta:
The truth about England v Argentina and where a chaotic semi-final will be decided
England vs Argentina LIVE
07:31 , Harry Latham-CoyleA very good morning. How are we feeling? For England and Argentina, a potentially defining day is here, with old World Cup foes preparing to renew a special, storied and significant rivalry in a semi-final battle in Atlanta. Spain await the winner – and we’ll have all of the latest ahead of kick off at 8pm BST tonight...
