England-Argentina, all set in Atlanta: line-ups for the semi-final that decides Spain's final opponent
The second semi-final of the 2026 World Cup and one of the most electric rivalries in the game's history. England and Argentina fight for a place in the final at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium (kick-off 19:00 UTC), and the winner will meet Spain —already through— on 19 July. Thomas Tuchel goes with a 4-2-3-1 led by Bellingham and Kane; Lionel Scaloni answers with a 4-4-2 and Messi and Julián Álvarez up top. Here are the confirmed line-ups.
All set in Atlanta. England and Argentina take to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium pitch for the second semi-final of the 2026 World Cup, with a place in the final on the line. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00 UTC —21:00 in mainland Spain— and the line-ups are now official. The winner will meet Spain, who knocked out France (2-0) yesterday and await their opponent, on 19 July at the MetLife Stadium.
This is no ordinary tie. England and Argentina share one of the most intense rivalries in World Cup history, with unforgettable chapters: Maradona's 'Hand of God' and goal of the century at Mexico 86, Beckham's red card and the Saint-Étienne shootout at France 98, and Beckham's penalty in Sapporo 2002. A meeting soaked in memory that now pits the reigning world champions against an England side chasing their first title since 1966.
Thomas Tuchel names a 4-2-3-1. Jordan Pickford continues in goal; a back four of Reece James, the John Stones-Marc Guéhi centre-back pairing and Djed Spence on the left; a Declan Rice-Elliot Anderson double pivot; and ahead of them Morgan Rogers, Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon behind the number nine, Harry Kane. England arrive after knocking out Norway (2-1) in extra time thanks to a decisive Bellingham brace in the quarter-finals.
Argentina, the world champions, answer with a 4-4-2. Emiliano 'Dibu' Martínez commands the goal; a back four of Nahuel Molina, the Cristian Romero-Lisandro Martínez pairing and Nicolás Tagliafico; a midfield of Giuliano Simeone, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández; and up top, the Lionel Messi-Julián Álvarez pairing. The Albiceleste come off beating Switzerland (3-1) in extra time, playing half an hour against ten men, with Messi named man of the match.
There is more than a final place at stake. In the race for the Golden Boot, Messi leads on eight goals and, with Mbappé already eliminated, has a clear path to stretch his lead; Kane, on six, is the other marksman still standing on the bill. Once the match is over we will publish the report here with the result and the goals.
Confirmed line-ups:
England (4-2-3-1): Jordan Pickford; Reece James, John Stones, Marc Guéhi, Djed Spence; Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson; Morgan Rogers, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon; Harry Kane. Head coach: Thomas Tuchel.
Argentina (4-4-2): Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico; Giuliano Simeone, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández; Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez. Head coach: Lionel Scaloni.