Find out how to watch England v Argentina live in the UK tonight, including TV channel, free streaming details, team news and kick off time for this World Cup 2026 semi-final in Atlanta.
| Live Streaming | Date | Kick Off Time | TV Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| England v Argentina | 16 July 2026 | 20:00 BST | BBC One |
England v Argentina Live Stream, TV Channel
England v Argentina will be shown live in the UK on BBC One, with coverage beginning at 7:00pm BST and kick off at 8:00pm BST.
The match takes place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
One of the most storied rivalries in world football is renewed tonight as England and Argentina meet in a World Cup semi-final for the first time, with a place in Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium the prize.
The two nations have not faced each other since November 2005, when goals from Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney sealed a 3-2 friendly win for England.
England have reached their fourth major semi final since 2018, continuing a remarkable run under successive managers, though the path here has been far from straightforward.
A dramatic extra-time win over Norway in the quarter-finals, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice after England fell behind, required every ounce of character from Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
There is positive injury news for England ahead of tonight. Declan Rice has recovered from the illness that visibly affected him against Norway and is fit to start, while Marc Guehi has also returned to training and is expected to partner John Stones in central defence.
The right-back situation remains a concern, with Jarell Quansah suspended and Reece James still being managed carefully, though there are reports James could be fit enough to start for the first time in this tournament.
Harry Kane is set to earn his 121st cap tonight, surpassing Wayne Rooney’s record for the most of any English outfield player.
Kane has six goals at this tournament and is very much in contention for the Golden Boot alongside Messi and Mbappe. Bellingham has also scored in back-to-back games and the pair are clearly England’s most important players.
Cobby Mainoo could come into the midfield picture after impressing when he came on against Norway, giving Tuchel an interesting selection dilemma alongside Rice. Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon are expected to continue on the flanks.
Argentina have been relentless but have needed to dig deep to get this far. They trailed 2-0 with 11 minutes remaining against Egypt before three goals sent them through, and Julian Alvarez’s stunning strike in extra time against Switzerland settled another dramatic tie. This is a team that knows how to win ugly as well as how to dazzle.
Lionel Messi has eight goals and double figures for goal contributions in consecutive World Cups, a statistical achievement that feels almost beyond comprehension.
He will partner either Alvarez or Lautaro Martinez up front, with Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister providing the midfield engine. Scaloni may be tempted to start Thiago Almada after his impact from the bench against Switzerland.
Argentina have never lost a World Cup semi-final in five previous appearances. England have won just two of 14 previous meetings with Argentina but have beaten them in both of their World Cup quarter-final clashes.
Since losing their 2022 World Cup opener to Saudi Arabia, Argentina are unbeaten in 12 World Cup matches and have scored at least twice in every single one.
Stopping that run is the challenge facing England tonight.
Head to our World Cup 2026 hub for more coverage.
