England vs. Argentina live score, result, highlights from 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal as Anthony Gordon opens scoring for England

By | July 15, 2026
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On Wednesday, live from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga., England vs. Argentina will serve as the ultimate semifinal match to determine who will face the winner of France and Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.

Today’s match features two completely different narratives depending on who wins. For England, a win against La Albiceleste would mean an appearance in their first World Cup final since 1966, when they won that year’s tournament on home soil. On the other side of the pitch will stand Lionel Messi and Argentina, who are still vying to become the first team to hoist back-to-back World Cup trophies since Brazil did in 1958 and 1962.

This summer’s Golden Boot race will also come to a head during the match. Messi (eight goals), Harry Kane, and Jude Bellingham (six goals each) all currently occupy spots near the top of the 2026 tournament’s most-achieved goal scorer rankings. The ability to play one final match could very well be the deciding factor as to who takes home the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot.

The Sporting News is tracking live scoring updates and highlights for England vs. Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Follow for complete results from the semifinal match in Atlanta.

STREAM: Watch the 2026 World Cup live with fubo

England vs. Argentina score

Location: Atlanta
Referee: Ismail Elfath

Starting lineups:

England (4-2-3-1, right to left): 1. J. Pickford (GK) — 24. R. James,  5. J. Stones, 6. M. Guehi, 25. D. Spence — 8. E. Anderson. 4. D. Rice — 17. M. Rogers, 10. J. Bellingham, 18. A. Gordon — 9. H. Kane

Argentina (4-4-3, right to left): 23. E. Martinez (GK) — 26. N. Molina, 13. C. Romero, 6. Li. Martinez, 3. N. Tagliafico — 5. L. Paredes, 20. A. Mac Allister, 24. E. Fernandez — 10. L. Messi, 9. J. Alvarez, 17. G. Simeone

2026 WORLD CUP HQ: Latest World Cup news | Full World Cup schedule | Updated World Cup bracket

England vs. Argentina live updates, highlights from 2026 World Cup semifinal

(All times ET)

4:24 p.m. – The game’s pace has changed after the Gordon goal. Argentina has kept more of the ball as their 2026 World Cup campaign depends on scoring at least one goal.

Leandro Paredes makes way for Nico Gonzalez to get Argentina’s attacking midfield up and running.

55′ Anthony Gordon opens scoring for England

4:16 p.m. – GOAL FOR ENGLAND! Morgan Rogers whipped in an exquisite cross that found the boot of Gordon. The new Barcelona signing’s goal today was his first for England at this World Cup.

51′ Cristian Romero yellow card

4:12 p.m. – The Argentinian becomes the second centerback on the team to earn a yellow card during the match. Romero hugged Bellingham to stop his offensive advance, and Elfath doesn’t deem it worthy to play through.

Just prior to this, Romero had a sharp bit of footwork to keep the ball just out of England’s reach in front of his own team’s net.

4:09 p.m. – Julian Alvarez has two big chances to score for Argentina, but Pickford shuts down his first attempt, followed by a shot hitting the side netting.

4:05 p.m. – Halftime has concluded, and England leads the half with possession.

Halftime: England 0-0 Argentina

3:49 p.m. – Despite an English cross being deflected by an Argentinian player, Elfath has blown his whistle to signify the beginning of halftime.

Here’s how The Three Lions and La Albiceleste compare after one half:

England   Argentina
44% Possession 56%
1 Shots 2
0 Shots on target 0
90% (178) Pass completion 89% (224)
1 Corners 1
7 Fouls 12
1 Yellow cards 1
0 Red cards 0

42′ Lisandro Martinez yellow card

3:42 p.m. – Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez does everything in his power to stop Morgan Rogers on the attack, but too much for referee Ismail Elfath’s liking.

3:40 p.m. – Enzo Fernandez has a great effort from distance, but it strays just above and over Pickford’s crossbar. Still 0-0 as we inch closer and closer to the halftime break.

37′ Elliot Anderson yellow card

3:37 p.m. – As Messi began the process of weaving in and out of England’s midfield, Anderson couldn’t help but stick a leg out to prevent the Argentinian from going any further.

3:33 p.m. – Declan Rice lifts in a free kick across Argentina’s box. The attempt does find the head of John Stones, but the effort lands just wide.

3:31 p.m. – Today’s match is the first FIFA World Cup since 1966 not to have a single shot in the first 30 minutes.

3:25 p.m. – Through the first 25 minutes, we have hit the first hydration break. Here’s how each team has fared on the statsheet thus far:

England   Argentina
42% Possession 58%
0 Shots 0
0 Shots on target 0
94% (99) Pass completion 87% (125)
1 Corners 1
5 Fouls 6
0 Yellow cards 0
0 Red cards 0

3:19 p.m. – Harry Kane, Morgan Rogers, and Reece James create a nice opportunity for England to get into Argentina’s box, but James’ cross falls right under Emi Martinez in front of Argentina’s net.

3:14 p.m. – Former One Direction group member Louis Tomlinson has made the trip to Atlanta to support The Three Lions.

3:12 p.m. – Referee Ismail Elfath has a chippy game on his hands, yet no one has earned a card at the moment. He will need to send a message at some point, but for now, a card remains to be seen.

3:10 p.m. – As we approach the first ten minutes, the score still remains goalless. England did earn the match’s first corner, but there has yet to be a first shot between the two sides.

MORE: LIVE player ratings from England vs. Argentina

3:02 p.m. – Less than three full minutes into the game, Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez crashes into England’s Elliot Anderson, which causes extracurriculars between Jude Bellingham and more of the Argentina squad.

It is evident early that these two sides are far from friendly.

3:00 p.m. – We are officially underway in Atlanta, with Argentina leading off with possession! Will Lionel Messi lead Argentina to back-to-back World Cup final appearances, or will England advance to their first since the 1966 final?

First half begins

Prematch

2:56 p.m. – Argentinian fans sound like they have a vast majority in Atlanta, as seen during the national anthems. England’s anthem was almost completely drowned out by La Albiceleste fans’ cheers and cries.

2:52 p.m. – Shakira’s “Dai Dai” has begun blasting from the Mercedes-Benz Stadium speakers as the players walk onto the pitch. Kickoff is imminent in Atlanta, with a trip to the final against Spain up for grabs.

2:49 p.m. – Before Jude Bellingham scored six goals for England at this year’s World Cup, the midfielder’s rise to global stardom had been far from a straight line. Check out this segment by Tom Rinaldi outlining Bellingham’s rise.

2:30 p.m. – Each of the teams has been on the pitch warming up as we approach the 30-minute mark until play begins.

2:20 p.m. – Lionel Messi has arrived in Atlanta. He looks to lead Argentina to back-to-back World Cup Finals, with Spain awaiting the winner of today’s match.

2:08 p.m. – Early indications reveal that Argentina looks to have the fan advantage in Atlanta. While fans have begun filing into Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the atmosphere outside is still rambunctious.

1:55 p.m. – En route to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga., the England team bus was seen passing Team Argentina’s ride. A competition is brewing with just over an hour until kickoff.

1:30 p.m. – With about an hour and a half until kickoff, check out this match trailer voiced by Sir Kenneth Branagh:

1:20 p.m. – Starting lineups have been released. Here’s who The Three Lions and La Albiceleste will march out onto the pitch for the opening whistle:

  • England (4-2-3-1, right to left): 1. J. Pickford (GK) — 24. R. James, 5. J. Stones, 6. M. Guehi, 25. D. Spence — 8. E. Anderson. 4. D. Rice — 17. M. Rogers, 10. J. Bellingham, 18. A. Gordon — 9. H. Kane

  • Argentina (4-4-3): 23. E. Martinez (GK) — 26. N. Molina, 13. C. Romero, 6. Li. Martinez, 3. N. Tagliafico — 5. L. Paredes, 20. A. Mac Allister, 24. E. Fernandez — 10. L. Messi, 9. J. Alvarez, 17. G. Simeone

12:51 p.m. – The last time these two sides met at the World Cup was in 2002. The Three Lions emerged victorious 1-0 after current USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino tripped Michael Owen in the penalty box, and the penalty kick was converted by David Beckham.

12:30 p.m. – Perhaps one of the most fascinating aspects of this game is the collision of two of the world’s biggest national team fanbases. England fans in Atlanta have also shown out in the hopes of watching The Three Lions’ first World Cup final berth since 1966, when they won their lone World Cup trophy.

12:14 p.m. – According to The Athletic, 23-year-old Morgan Rogers is “set to start” for England after a great substitute effort against Norway.

12:04 p.m. – Argentinian fans have made their presence known in downtown Atlanta. Check out this video that features a sea of sky blue and white singing and waving La Albiceleste flags.

11:30 a.m. – Match day is finally here to determine who will face Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.

According to England’s Marc Guehi, the brunt of the pressure is on Argentina to defend their 2022 crown.

MORE ENGLAND-ARGENTINA NEWS:

Where to watch England vs. Argentina in World Cup semifinal

England vs. Argentina start time

  • Date: Wed., July 15
  • Kickoff: 3 p.m. ET

Wednesday’s semifinal match between England and Argentina will take place on July 15 at 3 p.m. ET. Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga., will host the highly anticipated match.

What channel is England vs. Argentina on today?

  • TV channel: Fox
  • Live stream: fubo

Wednesday’s match between England and Argentina will air nationally on Fox (for English-speaking viewers) and Telemundo (for Spanish-speaking viewers) in the United States. Those looking to stream the match can turn to fubo.

  Time TV Channel Streaming
USA 15:00 ET Fox, Telemundo fubo, Peacock
Canada 15:00 ET TSN 1, RDS (French) TSN site/app,
RDS app
UK 20:00 BST BBC One BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website
Australia 07:00 AEST SBS SBS On Demand
India 1:30 IST Sports 18 Voot, JioTV

MORE WORLD CUP NEWS:

World Cup 2026 knockouts schedule

Semifinals

Date Time (ET) Match Location
Tue, Jul. 14 3 p.m. SF1: France vs. Spain AT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX)
Wed, Jul. 15 3 p.m. SF2: England vs. Argentina Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, GA)

Third-place match

Date Time (ET) Match Location
Sat, Jul. 18 5 p.m. Loser, SF1 vs. Loser, SF2 Hard Rock Stadium (Miami, FL)

Final

Date Time (ET) Match Location
Sun, Jul. 19 3 p.m. Winner, SF1 vs. Winner, SF2 MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ)

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