The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature a highly anticipated semifinal clash between England and Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
The match pits England, spearheaded by Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, against Argentina, led by Lionel Messi and the reigning champions. This fixture carries significant historical weight, recalling iconic World Cup moments such as Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" goal in 1986 and David Beckham's red card in 1998.
England reached the semifinals after defeating Norway. Jude Bellingham was instrumental in their quarterfinal victory, scoring both goals, including one that was confirmed after a video review involving a Skycam wire. His second goal came in stoppage time after a deflection.
Argentina advanced by defeating Switzerland in a hard-fought match. Lautaro Martínez scored a consolation goal, but Julián Álvarez secured the victory in the 112th minute of extra time after Switzerland had a player sent off.
For Lionel Messi, this World Cup marks another chapter in his illustrious career. Having won the tournament in 2022, he is a frontrunner for the Golden Boot Award in 2026, having scored eight goals in six matches.
England last reached the World Cup Final in 1966, the year they won the tournament. They are aiming to bring the trophy home this year, facing a formidable Argentine side seeking to defend their title.
The semifinal match will be broadcast on FOX and available for streaming on FOX One and FOX Sports. The game is scheduled to take place at Atlanta Stadium.
Separately, a recent survey indicated a surprising level of confidence among Americans in their soccer abilities, with one in four believing they could score a penalty kick against a professional goalkeeper. The survey also highlighted the tournament's impact on daily life, as 26% of workers admitted to missing work for World Cup matches, and 4% watched all games.