England and Argentina renew one of international football’s most storied rivalries on Wednesday when they meet at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta for a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. More than two decades after their last World Cup encounter, the nations cross paths again with the stakes at their highest: a showdown against Spain at MetLife Stadium.
The fixture carries a history unlike almost any other in the tournament. From England’s triumph in 1966 to Diego Maradona’s unforgettable display in Mexico 1986 and the tense battle in 2002, World Cup meetings between the two countries have consistently left a mark on football history. This latest chapter arrives with Lionel Messi chasing another major achievement and England seeking its first World Cup final appearance since lifting the trophy six decades ago.
For fans in the United States and the United Kingdom, multiple television and streaming options will carry the semifinal live.
TL;DR: England vs. Argentina
- Match: England vs. Argentina
- Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 Semifinal
- Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2026
- Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
- Kickoff: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
- USA TV: FOX Network, Telemundo
- USA Streaming: FOX One, fuboTV, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo
- UK TV: BBC One
- UK Streaming: BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport
Where to Watch England vs. Argentina Live in the USA: TV Channels and Streaming Options
American viewers can watch the FIFA World Cup semifinal live in both English and Spanish.
TV Channels
- FOX Network
- Telemundo
Streaming Options
- FOX One
- fuboTV
- Telemundo Deportes En Vivo
Radio Coverage
- SiriusXM FC
- Futbol de Primera Radio
Fans using satellite television can also access Telemundo nationally through DIRECTV channels 406 and 407 and Dish Network channel 835.
How UK Fans Can Watch England vs. Argentina Live on BBC Platforms
England supporters across the United Kingdom can follow the semifinal through BBC’s television, digital and radio platforms.
TV Channel
- BBC One
Streaming
- BBC iPlayer
- BBC Sport website and app
Radio
- BBC Radio 5 Live
- talkSPORT
For Freeview users, BBC One is available on channel 1, while the HD feed can be found on channel 101. BBC Radio 5 Live is available on channel 705 through Freeview Radio services.
What Time Does England vs. Argentina Start Today? Kickoff Times Around the World
The semifinal kicks off from Atlanta at the following times:
| Location | Kickoff Time |
|---|---|
| Eastern Time (USA) | 3:00 p.m. ET |
| Pacific Time (USA) | 12:00 p.m. PT |
| United Kingdom | 8:00 p.m. BST |
| Argentina | 4:00 p.m. |
| Mexico (Central Time) | 1:00 p.m. |
From Maradona to Messi: Why England vs. Argentina Remains a World Cup Classic
Wednesday’s semifinal marks the sixth World Cup meeting between England and Argentina, a rivalry that extends far beyond the pitch.
The teams first met in the quarterfinals of the 1966 World Cup, with England advancing on its way to winning the tournament. Two decades later came one of the most famous matches in football history, when Maradona produced both the “Hand of God” goal and the “Goal of the Century” in Argentina’s 2-1 victory at the Azteca Stadium.
Their most recent World Cup clash came in 2002, when England earned a 1-0 group-stage win in Sapporo.
Now a new generation takes center stage. Messi arrives with eight goals in the tournament and remains the driving force behind Argentina’s title defense, while Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane have carried England through difficult knockout matches under Thomas Tuchel.
Messi, Kane and Bellingham: The Stars Who Could Decide the Semifinal
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
The defending champions continue to rely on their captain in decisive moments. Messi has scored eight goals during the tournament and was influential again in the quarterfinal victory over Switzerland.
Harry Kane (England)
England’s captain has found the net six times in the World Cup and remains Tuchel’s most reliable attacking threat.
Jude Bellingham (England)
The Real Madrid midfielder has produced match-winning performances throughout the knockout rounds, including crucial braces against Mexico and Norway.
Predicted Lineups: How England and Argentina Could Start in Atlanta
England
Jordan Pickford; Reece James, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Nico O’Reilly; Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson; Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon; Harry Kane.
Head coach: Thomas Tuchel.
Argentina
Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández; Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez.
Head coach: Lionel Scaloni.
FAQ
What channel is England vs. Argentina on in the USA?
The FIFA World Cup semifinal will air on FOX Network and Telemundo in the United States.
Where can I stream England vs. Argentina live?
Viewers can stream the match through FOX One, fuboTV, BBC iPlayer and Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, depending on their location.
What time does England vs. Argentina start today?
Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET, 12 p.m. PT and 8 p.m. BST.
Who will face the winner in the final?
The winner of England vs. Argentina will advance to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final against Spain at MetLife Stadium.
Match Facts
- Match: England vs. Argentina
- Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 Semifinal
- Date: July 15, 2026
- Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
- Kickoff: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. BST
- USA Broadcast: FOX Network, Telemundo
- UK Broadcast: BBC One
- Streaming: FOX One, fuboTV, BBC iPlayer, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo
- Final Opponent: Spain (winner advances to MetLife Stadium)
