England vs Argentina LIVE: First half remains scoreless! (0-0) Minute-by-minute updates as Messi chases 2026 World Cup final

Lisandro Martinez received a yellow card after stopping a dangerous England counterattack led by Jude Bellingham. Argentina were forced to commit the foul to prevent the transition as the match continues to be played at a very high intensity.

Elliott Anderson received a yellow card after a strong challenge on Lionel Messi. The foul sparked another heated confrontation between both teams, with players from both sides exchanging words and tensions rising at Atlanta Stadium. The substitutes also came onto the pitch to protest as the match continues to become more intense.

Another dangerous set piece for England almost opened the scoring. Reece James stepped up and went directly for goal, but Emiliano Martinez made a strong save to keep Argentina level and clear the danger.

England came close to opening the scoring after Declan Rice delivered a dangerous free kick toward the far post. John Stones connected with a header, but his effort went just wide of the goal.

The match is back underway after the cooling break. England and Argentina return to the pitch as the physical battle continues, with both teams still searching for the opening goal of the semifinal.

The referee has stopped the match for a cooling break as players from England and Argentina take a moment to recover from the intense conditions at Atlanta Stadium. The score remains level as both teams continue battling in a physical semifinal.

England produced the first promising attacking move of the game after a well-placed through ball found Anthony Gordon. Gordon played it to Harry Kane, who delivered a great pass out wide to Morgan Rogers, but his cross was intercepted by Emiliano Martinez before it could create danger.

The first half remains intense and physical, with the clashes between both teams continuing as strong challenges and constant battles take over the match. The benches are also starting to get involved, showing their frustration with what is happening on the field. However, neither England nor Argentina have created a clear scoring opportunity so far.

The match remains highly contested, with England and Argentina showing similar approaches in the opening stages. Both teams are applying high pressure and playing with great intensity to prevent their opponents from building fluid attacks, even committing minor fouls to stop transitions. Argentina are trying to control possession, but they are struggling to find a clear way out of the pressure.

The match has started with plenty of intensity, as both teams have already committed two fouls in the opening minutes. There have been multiple complaints to the referee, while the players have exchanged words on several occasions. Cristian Romero and Jude Bellingham also went face to face as the tension continues to rise in what is shaping up to be a very physical and hard-fought contest.

England and Argentina are underway at Atlanta Stadium. The winner will secure a place in the 2026 World Cup final, with both teams looking to make a strong start in this highly anticipated semifinal.

England and Argentina are on the field for the national anthems and the pre match protocol. Kickoff at Atlanta Stadium is just moments away as both teams prepare for this highly anticipated 2026 World Cup semifinal.

FIFA has appointed Ismail Elfath of the United States as the referee for today's 2026 World Cup semifinal between England and Argentina. The full officiating crew is as follows:

• Referee: Ismail Elfath (United States)
• Assistant Referee 1: Corey Parker (United States)
• Assistant Referee 2: Kyle Atkins (United States)
• Fourth Referee: Maurizio Mariani (Italy)
• Fifth Referee: Daniele Bindoni (Italy)
• VAR: Marco Di Bello (Italy)

Marcus Rashford will start on the bench for England in today's 2026 World Cup semifinal. Although he dealt with health concerns earlier in the tournament, his place among the substitutes is purely a tactical decision by Thomas Tuchel and is not related to any injury or setback.

Lautaro Martinez starts on the bench for Argentina today as a technical decision by Lionel Scaloni. The head coach opted for a tactical adjustment rather than any disciplinary reason, keeping Martinez in reserve as a potential game-changing option later in the match.

England have confirmed their starting lineup for today's 2026 World Cup semifinal, with Thomas Tuchel deciding to keep Bukayo Saka on the bench. England will line up as follows:

Jordan Pickford; Reece James, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Djed Spence; Elliott Anderson, Declan Rice; Morgan Rogers, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon; Harry Kane (C).

Argentina have confirmed their starting lineup for today's 2026 World Cup semifinal, with one notable change as Rodrigo De Paul starts on the bench. Lionel Scaloni has selected the following XI:

Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Giuliano Simeone, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez; Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez.

England vs Argentina will get underway at 3:00 PM (PT: 12:00 PM)

Watch this 2026 World Cup match between England and Argentina live in the USA on Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, Hulu + Live TV, Peacock Premium, FOX and Telemundo.

Welcome to our live blog of the 2026 World Cup semifinal!

England face Argentina at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta this Wednesday, with a place in the World Cup final on the line.

Stay with us for key moments and minute-by-minute updates as England and Argentina battle for a spot in Sunday's final.