How to watch England v Argentina at World Cup 2026, channel and kick off time
by Ed Cunningham · Time Out LondonEngland are through to the semi-finals of the World Cup for just the fourth time ever. After defeating Norway in the quarters (after extra time and a Jude Bellingham masterclass), next up is one of the fiercest rivalries in international football: England v Argentina.
Thomas Tuchel, Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and the team will face Messi’s team at the Atlanta Stadium (otherwise known as the Mercedes-Benz Stadium), with kick-off at 8pm UK time on Wednesday evening. England haven’t faced La Albiceleste in a competitive match since 2002 (though they faced off in a friendly in 2005).
Going out to watch the game? Check out Time Out’s guide to London watch parties. If you’re staying at home, you can find everything you need to know below, from the TV channel to the two teams’ head-to-head record.
What time is England vs Argentina for World Cup 2026?
The game will kick off on Wednesday July 15 at 3pm local time in Atlanta, which is five hours behind the UK. Kick off in Blighty is at 8pm BST.
What time will England vs Argentina finish?
If the game does not go to extra time (or penalties), it should be done by 10pm.
However, if the game goes beyond 90 minutes, expect to add at least another hour onto that finish time. It should definitely be done by 11pm.
What channel is the semi final game on?
The game is being shown on BBC One and the Beeb’s streaming platform BBC iPlayer.
What time does coverage start?
The BBC’s programme and build-up starts at 7pm.
What are the odds for England vs Argentina?
At the time of writing, the odds are very, very narrowly in England’s favour. Oddschecker gives England a 37 percent chance of winning, compared Argentina’s 35 percent chance of going through. Here’s the odds breakdown.
- England win – 9/5
- Argentina win – 21/10
- Draw (in normal time) – 2/1
England and Argentina: head to head history and results
England and Argentina are huge rivals, and historic games linger in the collective consciousness of both nations. There’s a reason every England fan still talks about Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’.
Since their first match-up in 1951, England and Argentina have played each other 14 times. England have won on six occasions, Argentina have triumphed three times and they’ve drawn five times.
England’s World Cup 2026 fixtures and schedule
If the Three Lions beat Argentina, they’ll play the final on Sunday July 19 at 8pm BST. The game will be shown on both BBC and ITV.
Alternatively, if England lose on Wednesday night they’ll play a third-place game on Saturday July 18 with kick-off at 10pm BST. It’ll be broadcast on BBC One.
England World Cup 2026 results so far
Find all of the Three Lions result at the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far below, up to the semi finals.
- England 4 – 2 Croatia
- England 0 – 0 Ghana
- Panama 0 – 2 England
- England 2 – 1 DR Congo
- Mexico 2 – 3 England
- Norway 1 – 2 England
Will there be a bank holiday if England win the World Cup?
Well, that’s the big question. If – and it’s a huge ‘if’ – England triumph, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has hinted at a public holiday. Friday July 24 has been earmarked for a bank holiday.
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