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Argentina and England clash in World Cup 2026 semifinal in Atlanta
The FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal between Argentina and England took place on 15 July 2026 at the Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta. England entered without Jordan Henderson, who suffered a broken arm, and Jarell Quansah, who was suspended, but Thomas Tuchel confirmed that Declan Rice was fit to start.
Argentina received FIFA approval to wear their historic alternate blue kit, a tradition linked to the 1986 “Hand of God” match. The Argentine side, led by Lionel Messi (aged 39), faced heightened security in the city, with about 1 600 police officers deployed and bans on political symbols related to the Falklands dispute.
Both coaches, Lionel Scaloni and Thomas Tuchel, urged fans to keep the focus on football. Concerns were raised about the appointment of Ismail Elfath as referee, with former officials suggesting a more experienced official.
In the match, England opened the scoring through Anthony Gordon, but Argentina equalised via Enzo Fernández and won in stoppage time when Lautaro Martínez headed home a Messi cross. The 2‑1 victory sends Argentina to the final against Spain, while England will contest the third‑place play‑off.