England have been waiting for their second FIFA World Cup title since lifting the trophy in 1966. Argentina, meanwhile, arrived at this year's tournament as the defending champions after their triumph in Qatar. Which side will book a place in the final?

  • Argentina have conceded six goals in their last four matches.
  • England have failed to keep a clean sheet in each of their previous three games.
  • The match will be officiated by American referee Ismail Elfath.

England vs Argentina Predictions

Wednesday's semi-final promises to be a clash of two contrasting football philosophies. Argentina usually build their attacks through the middle and rarely rely on wing play. England, on the other hand, make the most of the pace and creativity of wide players such as Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke. It should be a fascinating tactical battle.

Our prediction: Both teams to record over 2.5 shots at odds of 1.87 (-115)

Both sides have an attacking mindset, so we can expect plenty of chances at both ends of the pitch. Markets such as Both Teams to Score (BTTS) or total goals are also worth considering.

Date and timeKick-off:  15 Wednesday 3:00 PM ET (USA) and 8:00 PM BST (UK time)
Broadcast Check on FIFA official site
Odds on England to win 2.70 (170)
Odds on Argentina to win
3.00 (200)

England vs Argentina Betting Odds

Bookmakers see very little separating the two teams ahead of this World Cup semi-final. England are considered slight favourites, with odds of around 2.70 (170). A draw is priced at approximately 2.95 (195), while an Argentina victory is available at around 3.00 (200). Goalscorer markets also offer plenty of interesting betting opportunities.

Predicted Line-ups

England will definitely be without Jarrell Quansah, who is suspended after receiving a red card. Jordan Henderson also misses out through injury, although he has played only a limited role during the tournament. Argentina are expected to stick with the same starting XI, with few, if any, changes.

  • England: Pickford – Konsa, Stones, Guehi, O'Reilly – Eze, Anderson, Saka, Bellingham, Gordon – Kane
  • Argentina: E. Martínez – Molina, Romero, L. Martínez, Tagliafico – Paredes, De Paul, Fernández, Mac Allister – Messi, Álvarez

Recent Results

England reached the semi-finals after defeating Norway in extra time. Before that, they earned a 3-2 victory over Mexico in normal time. Argentina also needed extra time to overcome Switzerland, winning 3-1. In the Round of 16, La Albiceleste edged past Egypt 3-2 in an entertaining encounter.

England - Recent Matches

11.07.2026 - Norway 1:2 England (after extra time) (FIFA World Cup)

06.07.2026 - Mexico 2:3 England (FIFA World Cup)

01.07.2026 - England 2:1 DR Congo (FIFA World Cup)

27.06.2026 - Panama 0:2 England (FIFA World Cup)

23.06.2026 - England 0:0 Ghana (FIFA World Cup)

Argentina - Recent Matches

12.07.2026 - Argentina 3:1 Switzerland (after extra time) (FIFA World Cup)

07.07.2026 - Argentina 3:2 Egypt (FIFA World Cup)

04.07.2026 - Argentina 3:2 Cape Verde (after extra time) (FIFA World Cup)

28.06.2026 - Jordan 1:3 Argentina (FIFA World Cup)

22.06.2026 - Argentina 2:0 Austria (FIFA World Cup)

England vs Argentina World Cup Semi-final

The two nations have not faced each other for more than two decades, making this semi-final particularly difficult to predict. Argentina still depend heavily on Lionel Messi. Although the Albiceleste captain has not looked as influential in his last two appearances as he did earlier in the tournament, his individual brilliance is always capable of deciding a match. England, meanwhile, will look to Harry Kane's finishing ability, along with the creativity of Jude Bellingham and their dangerous wide players. Everything points towards a closely contested encounter in which fine margins could determine who reaches the World Cup final.

Broadcast

The FIFA World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina is scheduled for Wednesday, 15 July, at 3:00 PM ET (USA) and 8:00 PM BST (UK time). Broadcast availability depends on your country. You can find the official list of broadcasters on the FIFA website.