As England and Argentina prepare to face each other at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the second of two World Cup semifinals, it’s worth mentioning the tension throughout history between the two countries over the Falkland Islands. While that won’t get settled on Wednesday, either the Three Lions or La Albiceleste will secure passage to Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium. That’s where Spain, a 2-0 winner over France, will be waiting.
Big-picture: this is the final time the Benz will be spotlighted during the tournament. Almost every one of the previous seven matches has been memorable for one reason or another. Expect Wednesday’s to be no different in that regard. Be sure to follow our X, IG, and Bsky accounts if you aren’t already, as Tyler will be posting throughout the day with the sights and sounds of what’s happening around the Benz.
England vs. Argentina, 3 p.m ET, Atlanta
How England got to the semifinal
England’s last trip to the Benz during the Round of 32 saw them trail DR Congo 1-0 before a pair of second-half goals from Harry Kane sent it to a 2-1 win. That set up a Round of 16 match against Mexico at the Azteca, where it gutted out a 3-2 win behind a Jude Bellingham brace despite being reduced to 10 men. Bellingham was at it again in the quarterfinal against Norway, scoring the equalizer in first-stoppage time and the winner in the 93rd minute as the Three Lions came away with a 2-1 extra-time victory.
How Argentina got to the semifinal
Argentina have yet to win a game the easy way in the knockouts, starting with a wild 3-2 win against Cabo Verde that was settled in extra time and was decided by an own goal. It trailed Egypt 2-0 in its Round of 16 match in Atlanta, but stormed back with three goals in the span of just under 15 minutes to win 3-2. It took a 1-0 lead in the quarterfinals against Switzerland before Dan Ndoye’s equalizer in the 67th minute, but a Breel Embolo sending-off saw La Albiceleste tack on a pair against a depleted Swiss team in a 3-1 extra-time win.
Where to watch England vs. Argentina
FOX/FOX One (English); Telemundo/Peacock (Spanish)
Can’t make it to the stadium today? Here’s a list of places you can watch all the World Cup action, along with a map.
If you’re in Atlanta to see July 15’s semifinal in person, check out our World Cup guide, which covers where to stay, what to do, see, and eat, and how to get around using MARTA.