England and Argentina will face off in the FIFA World Cup semis. Courtesy: Reuters

How to watch England vs Argentina FIFA World Cup semis: Date, time, streaming details

England and Argentina will renew one of football's fiercest rivalries in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final in Atlanta, with the winners advancing to face Spain in Sunday's final.

by · India Today

In Short

  • England and Argentina will face off in the FIFA World Cup semi-final
  • Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have spearheaded England’s impressive run
  • Lionel Messi’s Argentina are chasing back-to-back World Cup finals

England and Argentina will add another chapter to one of international football’s most storied rivalries when they meet in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday. The winner will book a place in Sunday’s final against Spain, who defeated France 2-0 in the first semi-final.

The fixture carries enormous historical significance. The two nations have crossed paths five times at the World Cup, with England holding a slight edge, having won three of those encounters. Yet, memories of Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” and his stunning solo effort in the 1986 quarter-final continue to define a rivalry fuelled by decades of footballing and political tension.

Thomas Tuchel’s side have enjoyed an impressive run to the last four. England began their knockout campaign with a 3-2 victory over Mexico before edging past Norway 2-1 in the quarter-finals. Tuchel has backed his players to thrive under pressure, describing them as a “special breed” ahead of the blockbuster clash.

“You need to be a special breed if you want to take the last step and play in these moments. I cannot praise enough the players who perform, who put out physicality, who open their legs and feel free and put on a fight,” Tuchel said.

Harry Kane has once again led the line superbly, while Jude Bellingham’s creativity and energy in midfield have been central to England’s charge.

MESSI’S ARGENTINA EYES BACK-TO-BACK FINALS

Defending champions Argentina are chasing a second consecutive World Cup final appearance and, potentially, the first successful title defence since Brazil in 1962. Lionel Scaloni’s men have taken the scenic route to the semi-finals, surviving stern tests against Cape Verde, Egypt and Switzerland to reach the final four.

At the heart of Argentina’s hopes is Lionel Messi, who continues to defy age at 39 and remains the tournament’s biggest attraction. The veteran forward is set for another high-profile duel with Bellingham, in what many have billed as a battle between two generations of No.10s.

Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has suggested that England have lacked some of the physical intensity usually associated with the Premier League, but expects a fiercely contested encounter. With a place in the final at stake and history hanging in the balance, another unforgettable England-Argentina showdown awaits.

Where to watch England vs Argentina FIFA World Cup semifinal

Live telecast of the England vs Argentina semi-final will be available on the Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD TV channels in India.

The England vs Argentina semi-final will also be broadcast live on the Doordarshan TV channel in India.

Live streaming of the England vs Argentina football match will be available on Zee5.

When to watch England vs Argentina FIFA World Cup semifinal

The England vs Argentina FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final will start at 12:30 AM IST on Thursday, July 16.

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