Television audiences on both sides of the Atlantic will turn their attention to Atlanta on Wednesday as England and Argentina meet in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals. With a place in the final against Spain at stake, one of football’s most celebrated rivalries returns to the global stage for the first time in a World Cup since 2002.
The matchup brings together the defending world champions and an England side that has found a way through every challenge in the knockout rounds. Lionel Messi continues to lead Argentina’s title defense after another influential performance against Switzerland, while Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have carried England to within one win of a trip to MetLife Stadium.
For viewers wondering where to watch the semifinal, broadcasters in both the United States and the United Kingdom will provide extensive live coverage across television, streaming and radio platforms.
The FIFA World Cup semifinal will be broadcast live in the United States through FOX and Telemundo.
| Broadcaster | Platform |
|---|---|
| FOX Network | English-language TV |
| Telemundo | Spanish-language TV |
FOX will provide English-language coverage for viewers across the country, while Telemundo carries the match in Spanish as part of its World Cup 2026 coverage.
Fans who prefer to stream the semifinal can do so through multiple digital platforms.
| Streaming Service | Coverage |
|---|---|
| FOX One | Live stream |
| fuboTV | Live stream |
| Telemundo Deportes En Vivo | Live stream |
These services allow viewers to watch the match live on smartphones, tablets, computers and connected TV devices.
Telemundo’s channel number varies depending on location and television provider.
For satellite subscribers, the network is available nationally through:
| Provider | Channel |
|---|---|
| DIRECTV | 406 and 407 |
| Dish Network | 835 |
In major television markets, local channel assignments may vary, though Telemundo remains widely available through cable, satellite and over-the-air affiliates.
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch England’s World Cup semifinal through BBC platforms.
| Platform | Channel / Access |
|---|---|
| BBC One | Freeview Channel 1 |
| BBC One HD | Freeview Channel 101 |
| BBC iPlayer | Live streaming |
| BBC Sport | Website and mobile app |
BBC One will carry the television broadcast, while BBC iPlayer offers live streaming coverage across supported devices.
Supporters who want to follow the semifinal on radio will have several options.
BBC Radio 5 Live is available on Freeview channel 705, while talkSPORT can be accessed through DAB radio, its website and mobile applications.
The second semifinal of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
| 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. |
Few international fixtures carry the history attached to England and Argentina.
The nations meet in a World Cup for the sixth time, continuing a rivalry shaped by iconic moments and unforgettable matches. England advanced when the teams met during the 1966 World Cup, a tournament the hosts eventually won. Argentina responded with one of football’s most famous victories in 1986, powered by Diego Maradona’s legendary performance in Mexico City.
The rivalry returned to the spotlight in 1998 and again in 2002, when England secured a narrow group-stage victory.
This year’s semifinal adds another chapter. Argentina arrives as reigning world champion and has overcome Cabo Verde, Egypt and Switzerland on its road to Atlanta. England, meanwhile, eliminated Mexico and Norway after leaning on decisive contributions from Kane and Bellingham.
Now both teams stand one win away from the final.
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.
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.
The match will be broadcast on FOX Network and Telemundo.
The semifinal will air live on BBC One, with streaming available through BBC iPlayer.
Yes. Streaming options include FOX One, fuboTV, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo and BBC iPlayer.
The winner of England vs. Argentina will advance to face Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final at MetLife Stadium.
Contenido GEC