England and Argentina are set to face off in a highly anticipated World Cup semi-final, a match brimming with historical significance and star power. The encounter at Atlanta Stadium marks England's second World Cup semi-final appearance since 2018, while Argentina aims to reach the final for the first time in 60 years.
The fixture is steeped in rivalry, recalling the 1986 quarter-final where Diego Maradona's performance is remembered for nearly single-handedly eliminating England. This time, Argentina boasts another generational talent in Lionel Messi, who will be facing England for the first time on the World Cup semi-final stage.
Messi, who has become the World Cup's all-time top goalscorer in this tournament, is currently tied for the Golden Boot lead with eight goals, alongside France's Kylian Mbappé. England counters with their own prominent number 10, Jude Bellingham, who has scored twice in each of England's last two knockout matches, a feat not achieved by any player since Maradona in 1986. Captain Harry Kane is also a significant threat, level with Bellingham on six goals for the tournament.
Both nations have demonstrated resilience rather than free-flowing dominance in their path to the semi-finals, securing victories through determined performances in the knockout stages. The upcoming match is expected to be a battle of wills, with England manager Thomas Tuchel emphasizing the need for increased quality following their quarter-final win over Norway.
England's recent tournament history shows a strong semi-final presence, reaching the final four in four major tournaments since 2018, matching their total from all prior history before 2018. The Three Lions are on a four-game winning streak in the World Cup, their longest in a single edition since 1966. Tuchel's tenure has seen him become only the second England manager, after Sir Alf Ramsey in 1966, to remain unbeaten in his first six World Cup games, mirroring Ramsey's record of five wins and one draw.
Argentina's semi-final pedigree is also notable; this marks their third appearance in the World Cup last four in the past four editions (2014, 2022, 2026). Prior to 2014, their last semi-final appearance was in 1990.
The match can be watched on BBC One and iPlayer, with live radio commentary available on BBC Sounds, and text updates on the BBC Sport website and app.