England and Argentina Clash in World Cup Semifinal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

A new chapter in one of football's greatest rivalries unfolds as England and Argentina face off in the World Cup semifinal at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The winner will secure the final spot in Sunday's championship match against Spain, who defeated France in the other semifinal. Historically, the teams have met 14 times, including friendlies, with England leading six wins to Argentina's three, and five draws. In World Cup play, they have met five times, with England holding a 3-2 advantage. Each encounter has been memorable, from Antonio Rattin's 1966 red card to Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal, David Beckham's 1998 sending off, and England's 2002 penalty victory.

Argentina, the reigning world champions, have faced tough challenges en route to the semifinals, narrowly defeating Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time in the round of 32, overcoming a 2-0 deficit to beat Egypt 3-2 in the round of 16, and winning 3-1 against Switzerland after 120 minutes in the quarterfinals. Lionel Messi, tied with Kylian Mbappé as the tournament's top scorer with eight goals and holding the all-time World Cup scoring record with 21 goals, aims to lead Argentina to a second consecutive final and a fourth World Cup title.

England reached the semifinals for the fourth time in their history and first since 2018. Their path included a 2-1 victory over DR Congo, a 3-2 win against host nation Mexico, and a 2-1 extra-time triumph over Norway. Captain Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, each with six goals, are England's key players hoping to guide the Three Lions to their first final since their 1966 World Cup victory.

Starting lineups feature Argentina with Emiliano Martínez in goal, supported by Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Julián Álvarez, Messi, and Julián Simón. England fields Jordan Pickford; Reece James, Marc Guehi, John Stones, Jed Spence; Declan Rice, Elliott Anderson, Jude Bellingham; Morgan Rogers, Anthony Gordon, and Harry Kane.