It’s time for Part II of the World Cup semi-finals. Tonight, it’s Argentina v England in Atlanta Stadium at 8pm. The defending World Cup champions against the nation, who are still chasing that elusive crown since their last triumph in 1966.
Should Thomas Tuchel’s side prevail tonight, they will return to the World Cup final for the first time since that one and only previous World Cup success 60 years ago.
Standing in their way are Lionel Messi’s Argentina who are hoping to go back-to-back at this tournament.
But who will win to join Spain in the final on Sunday?
We’ll be taking you through all the live action as it happens this evening, and will be bringing team line-ups shortly. As always, we want to know your thoughts on tonight’s game too so do get in touch.
— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) July 15, 2026
4 hrs ago
7:20PM
England: Jordan Pickford; Reece James, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Djed Spence; Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson; Morgan Rogers, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon; Harry Kane.
Subs: James Trafford, Dean Henderson, Nico O’Reilly, Ezri Konsa, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Trevoh Chalobah, Dan Burn, Kobbie Mainoo, Ollie Watkins, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, Ivan Toney.
England win a free in their own half of the pitch for a foul on Jude Bellingham. Jordan Pickford opts to go long but Argentina win back possession.
4 hrs ago
8:05PM
4 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
A bit of a needle around midfield after a heavy tackle on Elliot Anderson. It all gets resolved pretty quickly and England get the ball rolling again.
They work it back as far as Pickford and knock together a few passes.
4 hrs ago
8:07PM
6 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
Reece James gets dispossessed on the wing by Alexis Mac Allister but England deal with it quickly.
Argentina go on the attack again and Anderson gets tripped by Giuliano Simeone so it’s another free to England. Back to Pickford again to launch another attack.
4 hrs ago
8:08PM
7 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
ENGLAND CORNER!
It’s the first one of the game after a brilliant move and Declan Rice steps up to swing it in off his right. Some players are on the deck as the delivery comes in and Argentina win a free out after a header out of the penalty area.
4 hrs ago
8:10PM
9 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
Free to Argentina following a foul by James. They try to move the ball through the middle, but again Anderson gets fouled. Free to England.
4 hrs ago
8:13PM
12 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
Ball comes down to Anthony Gordon on the wing. He tries to square it, but it’s an easy collection for goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Anderson goes down again shortly after just as England are trying to break through. The referee initially waves play on, but the players start to clash again, and it all gets a bit messy.
3 hrs ago
8:17PM
16 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
Messi tries to play Simeone through, but the offside flag goes up.
England then break really well as Anthony Gordon tries to dribble across the middle. But just as he’s getting into position on the edge of the area, a boot comes in to dispossess him.
Argentina go on the counter, but they too fail to create anything after a cross into the penalty area is reclaimed by England.
3 hrs ago
8:19PM
18 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
Djed Spence tries to find a gap in the Argentina box. But Enzo Fernandez does well to muscle him off the ball and force a goal kick.
3 hrs ago
8:22PM
21 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
England win a throw-in and James gets the ball on the outside of the box. He tries to square it, but it’s too close to the keeper.
A poor touch from Messi sees Anderson boot the ball back for an Argentina throw. They move it along the wing, and it’s a promising attack as they chip it into the penalty area.
But a poor touch allows England to get the clearance away.
3 hrs ago
8:24PM
23 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
Another bit of needling as Bellingham fouls Mac Allister. It dies down quickly and Messi lines up the free.
They go short and end up with a corner which Messi will also take.
3 hrs ago
8:25PM
23 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
It’s a nice delivery, but the whistle goes almost immediately as Simeone is spotted pulling Pickford’s jersey.
The action resumes as Argentina threaten straight away with Messi getting involved. But the ball runs away from them at the crucial moment
3 hrs ago
8:32PM
31 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
Both sides try the long ball tactic and England eventually win a free-kick after some brilliant work by Bellingham.
This is in a really inviting position at the edge of the box.
3 hrs ago
8:34PM
33 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
Good inswinger from Rice. John Stones was at the back and tried to get his head on it, but the ball sails past him.
Again, some players end up on the ground which is in keeping with this incredibly scrappy contest so far.
3 hrs ago
8:36PM
35 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
Another England free for a foul on Bellingham. Again, it’s just outside the box and England are starting to dictate the game a bit here.
Reece James is coming across to take this one.
3 hrs ago
8:38PM
37 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
SAVE!
Martinez keeps it out, and the ball bounces around a few heads before Argentina eventually get it out of there.
A bad touch from Rice allows Argentina to advance and some lovely footwork from Messi brings them through the middle. He’s eventually brought down by Anderson who receives a yellow card.
Now, it’s Argentina’s turn to try and create something.
3 hrs ago
8:40PM
39 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
MISS!
What a shot from Enzo Fernandez?!
The ball just brushes the crossbar after a thunderbolt from outside the box. He’s claiming it should be a corner but the referee is awarding a goal-kick.
That’s the best chance of the game so far.
3 hrs ago
8:44PM
43 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
Yellow card for Lisandro Martinez for pulling the jersey of Morgan Rogers during an England counter-attack.
They move it across the middle before Argentina win the ball back. Enzo feeds Messi who loses the ball and an England counter ends with a brilliant tackle by Cristian Romero on Bellingham.
3 hrs ago
8:46PM
45 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
Anderson tries to find James with a big crossfield pass. But there’s too much sauce on it, and Argentina take the throw.
England press well and win it back.
Three minutes of added time have been announced.
3 hrs ago
8:48PM
47 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
England keep possession and take a throw. But they don’t make any inroads, eventually working the ball back as far as Pickford.
He tries a long ball, but the offside flag brings their attack to an end.
It’s hard to know what to make of that first half. A very scrappy encounter so far. It doesn’t really look like either side are close to getting a goal.
An unusual sight but we need a second go at the restart. Take 2 is successful and we’re back underway.
3 hrs ago
9:10PM
48 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
SAVE!
Pickford gets down to keep a shot out from Julian Alvarez. It was a brilliant move from Argentina who had slowed the play right down before launching ball which came to Alvarez.
He got in for the shot, but his low effort into the corner was palmed away. He got another go at it, but Pickford was equal to the attempt again which resulted in a corner.
3 hrs ago
9:10PM
49 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
Nothing comes from the corner as Messi is eventually held up and the ball goes out for a goal kick.
3 hrs ago
9:12PM
51 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
Good cross from Spence, but there’s no white shirts in the penalty area to apply the final touch.
The ball goes out for an England throw and the play comes back to Marc Guehi. Another cross comes in, but Argentina work it out.
And then Romero shows some serious composure to get the ball out after coming under pressure in the Argentina box.
3 hrs ago
9:14PM
53 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
Yellow card for Romero for a foul on Bellingham. Good pressure from Enzo sees England send the ball back to Pickford.
The referee is calling the play back for an Argentina free, but it’s not clear what for.
2 hrs ago
9:16PM
54 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
Leandro Paredes with an audacious attempt from outside the box. Perhaps it was a cross but either way it’s miles of and England have a goal kick.
We’re back underway for the last stretch. Can Argentina get an equaliser?
2 hrs ago
9:37PM
75 mins: Argentina 0-1 England
Argentina subs: Montiel for Martinez; De Paul replaces Simeone and Otamendi comes in Molina.
England sub: Gordon comes off for Konsa.
2 hrs ago
9:39PM
77 mins: Argentina 0-1 England
POST!!
Oh wow, what a chance for Argentina?! Mac Allister sees his diving header come back into play after clattering off the woodwork.
He had another chance just before that and should have put that one away too.
Argentina are creating plenty of chances, but they’re running out of time.
2 hrs ago
9:41PM
79 mins: Argentina 0-1 England
WIDE!
Argentina get another gift of a chance and the substitute Gonzalez blazes his header wide. England break away shortly after turning over Messi but Rogers sees his shot get blocked.
This game has really come to life.
2 hrs ago
9:42PM
79 mins: Argentina 0-1 England
🏴 1-0 🇦🇷
Argentina really ramping up the pressure now as Alexis Mac Allister is denied twice in quick succession by Jordan Pickford
GOAL! Argentina 2-1 England (Lautaro Martinez ’92)
2 hrs ago
9:58PM
96 mins: Argentina 2-1 England
My word!!
Argentina are in front after two goals in less than 10 minutes. A superb rally from the world champions.
It looked like Mac Allister had given them the lead with a super strike that came back off the post. But Argentina managed to keep possession and Messi sent in a beautiful cross that found substitute Lautaro Martinez at the back post for the header to finish it.
It looks like Argentina are heading back to the World Cup final.
2 hrs ago
9:59PM
🏴 1-2 🇦🇷
This is what he does
Lionel Messi bursts down the right and fires an exquisite cross to Lautaro Martinez who duly delivers what could be the potential winner here in Atlanta
Argentina with a comeback for the ages to return to the World Cup final and put their title on the line against Spain.
Let’s take a moment for those unbelievable goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez to cancel out Anthony Gordon’s goal for England. Messi got the assist for both goals and has once again proven himself as one of the all-time greats.
2 hrs ago
10:13PM
Argentina 2-1 England
Well, that’s all from us folks. We’ll have plenty of post-game coverage to come from Paul Fennessy and David Sneyd who has been our man on the ground throughout the tournament.
We hope you enjoyed all the coverage this evening and hope to have you with us again soon.
Until next time, good luck!
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As it happened: Argentina defeat England 2-1 in World Cup Semi-Final
Result: Argentina 2-1 England
It’s time for Part II of the World Cup semi-finals. Tonight, it’s Argentina v England in Atlanta Stadium at 8pm. The defending World Cup champions against the nation, who are still chasing that elusive crown since their last triumph in 1966.
Should Thomas Tuchel’s side prevail tonight, they will return to the World Cup final for the first time since that one and only previous World Cup success 60 years ago.
Standing in their way are Lionel Messi’s Argentina who are hoping to go back-to-back at this tournament.
But who will win to join Spain in the final on Sunday?
We’ll be taking you through all the live action as it happens this evening, and will be bringing team line-ups shortly. As always, we want to know your thoughts on tonight’s game too so do get in touch.
Here’s how England will line up this evening
And here is the Argentina team
England: Jordan Pickford; Reece James, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Djed Spence; Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson; Morgan Rogers, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon; Harry Kane.
Subs: James Trafford, Dean Henderson, Nico O’Reilly, Ezri Konsa, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Trevoh Chalobah, Dan Burn, Kobbie Mainoo, Ollie Watkins, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, Ivan Toney.
Argentina: Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Leandro Paredes; Giuliano Simeone, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez.
Subs: Juan Musso, Geronimo Rulli, Marcos Senesi, Gonzalo Montiel, Valentin Barco, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, Nico Gonzalez, Thiago Almada, Rodrigo De Paul, Nico Paz, Nicolas Otamendi, Jose Manuel Lopez, Lautaro Martinez, Facundo Medina.
Some essential pre-match reading:
Match Ready
The teams are out and it’s almost time to get underway in Atlanta Stadium.
Kick-Off! Argentina v England
2 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
And away we go!
England win a free in their own half of the pitch for a foul on Jude Bellingham. Jordan Pickford opts to go long but Argentina win back possession.
4 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
A bit of a needle around midfield after a heavy tackle on Elliot Anderson. It all gets resolved pretty quickly and England get the ball rolling again.
They work it back as far as Pickford and knock together a few passes.
6 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
Reece James gets dispossessed on the wing by Alexis Mac Allister but England deal with it quickly.
Argentina go on the attack again and Anderson gets tripped by Giuliano Simeone so it’s another free to England. Back to Pickford again to launch another attack.
7 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
ENGLAND CORNER!
It’s the first one of the game after a brilliant move and Declan Rice steps up to swing it in off his right. Some players are on the deck as the delivery comes in and Argentina win a free out after a header out of the penalty area.
9 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
Free to Argentina following a foul by James. They try to move the ball through the middle, but again Anderson gets fouled. Free to England.
12 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
Ball comes down to Anthony Gordon on the wing. He tries to square it, but it’s an easy collection for goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Anderson goes down again shortly after just as England are trying to break through. The referee initially waves play on, but the players start to clash again, and it all gets a bit messy.
16 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
Messi tries to play Simeone through, but the offside flag goes up.
England then break really well as Anthony Gordon tries to dribble across the middle. But just as he’s getting into position on the edge of the area, a boot comes in to dispossess him.
Argentina go on the counter, but they too fail to create anything after a cross into the penalty area is reclaimed by England.
18 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
Djed Spence tries to find a gap in the Argentina box. But Enzo Fernandez does well to muscle him off the ball and force a goal kick.
21 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
England win a throw-in and James gets the ball on the outside of the box. He tries to square it, but it’s too close to the keeper.
A poor touch from Messi sees Anderson boot the ball back for an Argentina throw. They move it along the wing, and it’s a promising attack as they chip it into the penalty area.
But a poor touch allows England to get the clearance away.
23 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
Another bit of needling as Bellingham fouls Mac Allister. It dies down quickly and Messi lines up the free.
They go short and end up with a corner which Messi will also take.
23 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
It’s a nice delivery, but the whistle goes almost immediately as Simeone is spotted pulling Pickford’s jersey.
First Hydration Break! Argentina 0-0 England
27 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
The action resumes as Argentina threaten straight away with Messi getting involved. But the ball runs away from them at the crucial moment
31 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
Both sides try the long ball tactic and England eventually win a free-kick after some brilliant work by Bellingham.
This is in a really inviting position at the edge of the box.
33 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
Good inswinger from Rice. John Stones was at the back and tried to get his head on it, but the ball sails past him.
Again, some players end up on the ground which is in keeping with this incredibly scrappy contest so far.
35 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
Another England free for a foul on Bellingham. Again, it’s just outside the box and England are starting to dictate the game a bit here.
Reece James is coming across to take this one.
37 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
SAVE!
Martinez keeps it out, and the ball bounces around a few heads before Argentina eventually get it out of there.
A bad touch from Rice allows Argentina to advance and some lovely footwork from Messi brings them through the middle. He’s eventually brought down by Anderson who receives a yellow card.
Now, it’s Argentina’s turn to try and create something.
39 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
MISS!
What a shot from Enzo Fernandez?!
The ball just brushes the crossbar after a thunderbolt from outside the box. He’s claiming it should be a corner but the referee is awarding a goal-kick.
That’s the best chance of the game so far.
43 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
Yellow card for Lisandro Martinez for pulling the jersey of Morgan Rogers during an England counter-attack.
They move it across the middle before Argentina win the ball back. Enzo feeds Messi who loses the ball and an England counter ends with a brilliant tackle by Cristian Romero on Bellingham.
45 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
Anderson tries to find James with a big crossfield pass. But there’s too much sauce on it, and Argentina take the throw.
England press well and win it back.
Three minutes of added time have been announced.
47 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
England keep possession and take a throw. But they don’t make any inroads, eventually working the ball back as far as Pickford.
He tries a long ball, but the offside flag brings their attack to an end.
Half-Time! Argentina 0-0 England
Argentina 0-0 England
It’s hard to know what to make of that first half. A very scrappy encounter so far. It doesn’t really look like either side are close to getting a goal.
Anyone for extra-time and penalties?
Second Half: Argentina 0-0 England
45 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
An unusual sight but we need a second go at the restart. Take 2 is successful and we’re back underway.
48 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
SAVE!
Pickford gets down to keep a shot out from Julian Alvarez. It was a brilliant move from Argentina who had slowed the play right down before launching ball which came to Alvarez.
He got in for the shot, but his low effort into the corner was palmed away. He got another go at it, but Pickford was equal to the attempt again which resulted in a corner.
49 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
Nothing comes from the corner as Messi is eventually held up and the ball goes out for a goal kick.
51 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
Good cross from Spence, but there’s no white shirts in the penalty area to apply the final touch.
The ball goes out for an England throw and the play comes back to Marc Guehi. Another cross comes in, but Argentina work it out.
And then Romero shows some serious composure to get the ball out after coming under pressure in the Argentina box.
53 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
Yellow card for Romero for a foul on Bellingham. Good pressure from Enzo sees England send the ball back to Pickford.
The referee is calling the play back for an Argentina free, but it’s not clear what for.
54 mins: Argentina 0-0 England
Leandro Paredes with an audacious attempt from outside the box. Perhaps it was a cross but either way it’s miles of and England have a goal kick.
GOAL! Argentina 0-1 England (Anthony Gordon ’54)
56 mins: Argentina 0-1 England
England take the lead, and it’s very much deserved after that move.
Kane releases Rice who gives it to Rogers for the cross. Gordon times his run brilliantly to get across and tap the ball in firs time.
Argentina try to hit them on the counter, and Simeone looked like he was in. But credit to Spence for timing his tackle to snipe the ball away.
65 mins: Argentina 0-1 England
Argentina sub: Nico Gonzalez is on for Paredes.
66 mins: Argentina 0-1 England
Great chance for Argentina but Stones comes in with a timely intervention to get the header away.
England then come down and Rice gets into position for a shot. But there’s not enough power behind the effort, and it’s an easy save.
67 mins: Argentina 0-1 England
Argentina corner. Messi had an opening for a shot but he opted for the pass instead.
England deal with the corner but there’s another one coming after the ball is deflected away by Anderson.
69 mins: Argentina 0-1 England
SAVE!
What a reaction from Pickford?!
Super cross from Messi finds the substitute Gonzalez and he keeps his header low but Pickford gets down in time to push it away.
Hydration Break! Argentina 0-1 England
74 mins: Argentina 0-1 England
We’re back underway for the last stretch. Can Argentina get an equaliser?
75 mins: Argentina 0-1 England
Argentina subs: Montiel for Martinez; De Paul replaces Simeone and Otamendi comes in Molina.
England sub: Gordon comes off for Konsa.
77 mins: Argentina 0-1 England
POST!!
Oh wow, what a chance for Argentina?! Mac Allister sees his diving header come back into play after clattering off the woodwork.
He had another chance just before that and should have put that one away too.
Argentina are creating plenty of chances, but they’re running out of time.
79 mins: Argentina 0-1 England
WIDE!
Argentina get another gift of a chance and the substitute Gonzalez blazes his header wide. England break away shortly after turning over Messi but Rogers sees his shot get blocked.
This game has really come to life.
79 mins: Argentina 0-1 England
81 mins: Argentina 0-1 England
Argentina come close again, but England manage to get it away. And they also win a free for a foul on Kane.
82 mins: Argentina 0-1 England
Argentina sub: Martinez is on for Tagliafico.
England subs: O’Reilly and Burn come in for Rice and James.
GOAL! Argentina 1-1 England (Enzo Fernandez ’85)
86 mins: Argentina 1-1 England
ENZO FERNANDEZ!
Take a bow, sir.
A sumptuous strike from outside the box after taking a pass from Messi. Pickford had no chance.
Game on again, folks!
86 mins: Argentina 1-1 England
John Stones is down receiving treatment after heading the ball away.
90 mins: Argentina 1-1 England
Nine minutes of injury time. Still a bit to go here.
90 mins: Argentina 1-1 England
Bellingham tries to carry the ball up along the wing but easily gets outmuscled. He had no support though.
GOAL! Argentina 2-1 England (Lautaro Martinez ’92)
96 mins: Argentina 2-1 England
My word!!
Argentina are in front after two goals in less than 10 minutes. A superb rally from the world champions.
It looked like Mac Allister had given them the lead with a super strike that came back off the post. But Argentina managed to keep possession and Messi sent in a beautiful cross that found substitute Lautaro Martinez at the back post for the header to finish it.
It looks like Argentina are heading back to the World Cup final.
98 mins: Argentina 2-1 England
And just to finish it off, we have another needle between the players after a free is awarded to Messi.
99 mins: Argentina 2-1 England
England have a throw. Have they enough time to get one more chance?
101 mins: Argentina 2-1 England
Still no whistle. England have another go here.
Full-Time! Argentina 2-1 England
Argentina 2-1 England
So, it’s not coming home.
Argentina with a comeback for the ages to return to the World Cup final and put their title on the line against Spain.
Let’s take a moment for those unbelievable goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez to cancel out Anthony Gordon’s goal for England. Messi got the assist for both goals and has once again proven himself as one of the all-time greats.
Argentina 2-1 England
Well, that’s all from us folks. We’ll have plenty of post-game coverage to come from Paul Fennessy and David Sneyd who has been our man on the ground throughout the tournament.
We hope you enjoyed all the coverage this evening and hope to have you with us again soon.
Until next time, good luck!
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Argentina England Minute-by-Minute Score updates Soccer World Cup World Cup 2026