Tonight's game on the 2026 World Cup schedule (Kyiv time) features just one match — but what a match: the second semi-final of the World Cup, where England take on reigning champions Argentina. Kick-off is at exactly 22:00 Kyiv time at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The winner earns a ticket to the final against Spain, who yesterday thrashed France 2–0.
Today's schedule
- 22:00 Kyiv time. England vs Argentina (2026 World Cup semi-final, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta)
England vs Argentina: what's at stake
This is the sixth meeting between the two sides at World Cups — and the first in Lionel Messi's career against England. The winner advances to the final on 19 July at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey (kick-off 22:00 Kyiv time), where Spain will be waiting. The loser will play the third-place match on 18 July at 00:00 Kyiv time (i.e. in the early hours of Sunday morning) at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
Form and path to the semi-finals
Argentina are the only team in this tie who went through the group stage without dropping a single point. In the knockout rounds, Lionel Scaloni's side went to extra time twice — against Cape Verde and Switzerland — and came back from 0–2 down against Egypt to win 3–2. England under Thomas Tuchel progressed past DR Congo, Mexico (3–2 with ten men) and Norway, where Jude Bellingham scored a brace in the quarter-final.
Team news: England have confirmed absences of Jordan Henderson (broken arm) and Jarell Quansah (suspension). Declan Rice has recovered from illness and is expected to start. Argentina have no injuries or suspensions.
Expected line-ups
England (4-2-3-1, expected): Pickford; James, Konsa, Guéhi, O'Reilly; Rice, Anderson; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.
Argentina (4-4-2, expected): E. Martínez; Molina, Romero, L. Martínez, Tagliafico; De Paul, Paredes, Fernández, Mac Allister; Messi, Álvarez.
Star duel and the main intrigue
The top-scorers' race at this tournament is the fiercest in years: Messi leads with 8 goals, while Kane and Bellingham have 6 each. Twelve of England's 13 goals at this championship have been scored by either Kane or Bellingham. The tactical axis of the match runs through midfield: Declan Rice and Kobbie Mainoo will need to close the spaces where Messi likes to receive the ball between the lines, while Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister will look to stifle the pace of England's transitions. Set pieces could prove decisive: Rice's deliveries to Kane and Stones are a genuine weapon for the Three Lions. Argentina, for their part, have scored three goals in each of their last four matches — 17 in total at the tournament, already a record for them at a single World Cup.
For England, this is a chance to reach their first final since 1966 — if they can manage it. For Argentina, it is an opportunity to defend the title and send Messi to a fourth consecutive major tournament final. For more context on this fixture, read our piece "England vs Argentina today at 22:00 Kyiv time: referee, line-ups and 2026 World Cup schedule".
What's next: the bronze medal match and the final
After tonight's match, two games remain: the third-place match on 19 July at 00:00 Kyiv time (Miami), and the final on 19 July at 22:00 Kyiv time at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The full 2026 World Cup schedule in Kyiv time is available in our constantly updated article. A summary of tonight's match will appear in the evening edition and the morning digest of "Night Mundial".
See also: All 48 teams at the 2026 World Cup
Photo: via atlantafwc26.com · Editorial (source)
