England and Argentina will face off in the blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 Semifinal tonight at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00 PM ET. The winner will advance to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final next Sunday against Spain, while the losing team will play in the third-place match on Saturday against France.
This is a repeat of the 2022 quarter-final, but with much higher stakes. England, under Thomas Tuchel, have looked organised and dangerous, while Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, is the defending champion aiming to reach back-to-back finals.
With both teams now confirmed, here are the England vs Argentina predicted lineups for this mouth-watering semifinal.
England vs Argentina Predicted Lineups
England Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup Squad players are expected to stick with the system that delivered strong results in the knockout stages. Harry Kane will lead the line, supported by creative talents in the attacking midfield.
| Position | Player | Club | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Jordan Pickford | Everton | First-choice goalkeeper |
| RB | Kyle Walker | Manchester City | Experienced and strong defensively |
| CB | John Stones | Manchester City | Ball-playing centre-back |
| CB | Marc Guéhi | Crystal Palace | In-form and solid |
| LB | Luke Shaw | Manchester United | Attacking threat from left |
| CM | Declan Rice | Arsenal | Defensive anchor |
| CM | Jude Bellingham | Real Madrid | Box-to-box star |
| RW | Bukayo Saka | Arsenal | Direct and dangerous |
| AM | Phil Foden | Manchester City | Creative hub |
| LW | Marcus Rashford | Manchester United | Pace and goal threat |
| ST | Harry Kane | Bayern Munich | Captain and main goalscorer |
- Bench: Aaron Ramsdale, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ezri Konsa, Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer, Ivan Toney.
Argentina Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina World Cup Squad is likely to name a strong and balanced side. Messi will operate from the right, with Julián Álvarez leading the attack.
| Position | Player | Club | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Emiliano Martínez | Aston Villa | World-class shot-stopper |
| RB | Nahuel Molina | Atlético Madrid | Attacking full-back |
| CB | Cristian Romero | Tottenham | Aggressive leader |
| CB | Lisandro Martínez | Manchester United | Strong in duels |
| LB | Nicolás Tagliafico | Lyon | Experienced defender |
| CM | Rodrigo De Paul | Atlético Madrid | Work rate and passing |
| CM | Enzo Fernández | Chelsea | Composed and technical |
| CM | Alexis Mac Allister | Liverpool | Box-to-box energy |
| RW | Lionel Messi | Inter Miami | Captain and creator-in-chief |
| ST | Julián Álvarez | Atlético Madrid | Clinical finisher |
| LW | Lautaro Martínez | Inter Milan | Mobile and dangerous |
- Bench: Franco Armani, Gonzalo Montiel, Germán Pezzella, Guido Rodríguez, Thiago Almada, Ángel Di María.
Key Battles to Watch
Jude Bellingham vs Enzo Fernández
A battle between two of the best young midfielders in the world. Whoever controls the tempo in the middle could decide the game.
Lionel Messi vs England’s Right Side
Messi will look to exploit spaces on England’s right. Kyle Walker and Bukayo Saka must stay disciplined to limit his influence.
Harry Kane vs Argentina’s Centre-Backs
Kane’s hold-up play and aerial ability will test Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martínez. England will look to play long balls and crosses into him.
Phil Foden vs Rodrigo De Paul
Foden’s creativity against De Paul’s defensive work rate will be a fascinating subplot.
Tactical Preview
England are expected to play with discipline and look for quick transitions through Saka and Rashford. Tuchel will likely ask his team to press high and deny Messi time on the ball.
Argentina will try to control possession and use Messi’s vision to create chances. They are dangerous on the counter-attack and very strong from set-pieces.
This match is likely to be tight and tactical, with few clear chances. The team that shows more composure in the final third will likely progress to the final.
Match Prediction
- England 2-1 Argentina (After Extra Time)
England have the momentum and a more balanced squad at this stage. However, Messi is still capable of producing magic on the biggest stage. Expect a tense, high-quality semifinal that could go to extra time.
