With Tuchel’s gritty England squad meeting Scaloni’s battle-hardened, Messi-led side, a classic encounter awaits.
The tournament reaches a fever pitch tonight at a packed Atlanta Stadium as one of the most iconic, emotionally charged rivalries in sporting history returns to center stage. It is the second semi-final, and the stakes could not be higher: England's hunger for a historic second World Cup final clashes directly with Argentina's relentless drive to retain their global crown. Refresh this page to view the fastest LIVE UPDATES here.
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Three changes for Tuchel's England
England make three changes from the Norway quarter-final win with Reece James and Djed Spence rewarded for their impressive substitute cameos with starts at full-back in place of Ezri Konsa and Nico O'Reilly.
The other change is Morgan Rogers' insertion into a right attacking midfield role, with Noni Madueke making way. Declan Rice is fit enough to start following his half-time withdrawal on Saturday.
Argentina team news: Simeone in for De Paul
The Argentina starting XI is in. Coach Lionel Scaloni has made just one change from the team who beat Switzerland in the quarter-finals, with Giuliano Simeone in for Rodrigo De Paul.
In attack, Lionel Messi will again be partnered by Julian Alvarez, who scored a stunning – and vital – extra-time goal against the Swiss.
Argentina starting XI: Emiliano Martinez, Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Tagliafico, Simeone, Mac Allister, Fernandez, Paredes, Messi, Alvarez
Rivals' sixth World Cup meeting
This is the sixth World Cup encounter between the teams, with England having won three of the past five, most recently a 1-0 victory in the 2002 group stage.
Argentina came out on top in the 1986 quarter-finals and in a penalty shoot-out in the Round of 16 at France 1998.
It's a rivalry that started with a friendly handshake back in the Chile tournament of 1962...
Kick off time
Game to start at 12:30 am IST (16 July, Thu)
Published: 15 Jul 2026, 10:55 pm IST
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