Argentina face England at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday evening in the World Cup semi-finals, targeting a place in Sunday’s final against Spain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The reigning world champions have won back-to-back Copa América titles and the 2022 World Cup. A win on Wednesday would put them in a fourth consecutive major final — a run of consistency unmatched in modern football. Argentina have never lost a World Cup semi-final in five previous appearances. This fixture will be the first time in Messi’s career he has faced England.
Argentina team news
Scaloni faces selection decisions rather than injury concerns, though the physical toll of two consecutive extra-time matches is a factor. Cristian Romero was substituted at half-time of extra time against Switzerland through exhaustion and is expected to be assessed ahead of kick-off.
Facundo Medina is pushing to start alongside Lisandro Martínez in central defence. Nahuel Molina and Nicolás Tagliafico are expected to continue at full-back, both having been replaced before the end of extra time against Switzerland but deemed fresh enough to start.
Reports from Argentina suggested Scaloni trialled a back three in training on Monday, but a wholesale formation change for a semi-final of this magnitude is considered unlikely. The midfield of Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister is expected to continue, with Thiago Almada available from the bench having impressed as a substitute against Switzerland.
Julián Álvarez starts alongside Messi in attack. Both played the full 120 minutes against Switzerland — Álvarez scoring the decisive extra-time volley after a brilliant individual run, Messi providing the assist for Mac Allister’s opener in what was the first match at this tournament where the captain did not find the scoresheet himself.
With eight tournament goals, Messi leads the Golden Boot standings and arrives in Atlanta facing England for the very first time. Emiliano Martínez of Aston Villa continues in goal.
Argentina predicted lineup
Argentina possible starting XI (4-4-2): E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Li. Martinez, Tagliafico; Paredes; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi, Alvarez
When will the match kick off?
The FIFA World Cup semi-final kicks off at 20:00 BST on Wednesday, 15 July 2026.
How to watch England vs Argentina?
The match will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK.
Read more – England vs Argentina – Predicted lineup and team news
See Also- England vs Argentina – Match preview and team news
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