- England vs Argentina lineups: Messi starts against the Three Lions for the first time with a place in the 2026 World Cup final up for grabs.
- The match will be played tonight at Atlanta Stadium, kicking off at 10pm EAT.
- The winner will face Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
Lionel Messi’s starts tonight at Atlanta Stadium as he prepares to face England for the first time, with both nations aiming to secure a place in Sunday’s final against Spain at MetLife Stadium.
Ahead of tonight’s thrilling showdown in USA, Messi had never faced the England national team throughout his 20-plus-year international career.
The two nations simply never crossed paths in the knockout stages of major tournaments, while the only scheduled meeting -a friendly in November 2005, came when a 17-year-old Messi missed out due to an international suspension.
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Now, at 39, Messi is finally set to take on England for the first time. He will be hoping to inspire Argentina to consecutive World Cup finals and potentially lift back-to-back world titles.
Messi currently sits joint-top of the scoring charts with eight goals in this year’s tournament, and he willl be eager to add to that tally while extending his remarkable record of more than 21 international tournament goals.
Official England vs Argentina lineups
Lionel Scaloni has stuck with his trusted and well-balanced 4-4-2 system, built to dictate the tempo while maintaining defensive solidity.
Instead of switching to a back three, Scaloni has handed Giuliano Simeone the responsibility of providing relentless energy and defensive support on the right flank, complementing Enzo Fernandez on the opposite side.
Leading the attack, Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez earns another start alongside Messi after his decisive extra-time heroics against Switzerland in the previous round.
Unlike England, Argentina head into this high-stakes encounter with a fully fit squad.
Talented youngsters Nico Paz and Valentin Barco miss out on the starting XI purely for tactical reasons, leaving Scaloni with exceptional depth to influence the game from the bench.
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- Argentina confirmed starting XI: E. Martínez, Molina, Romero, L. Martínez, Tagliafico, Paredes, Simeone, Fernández, Mac Allister, Messi, Álvarez.
- Subs: Musso, Rulli, Senesi, Montiel, Barco, Lo Celso, Palacios, González, Almada, De Paul, Paz, Otamendi, López, Lautaro Martínez, Medina.
Thomas Tuchel has set England up in a flexible 4-2-3-1 formation designed to control the midfield while maximizing the creative support around Harry Kane.
The biggest talking point is the inclusion of Aston Villa breakout star Morgan Rogers, who earns a huge start on the left wing ahead of several more experienced options.
On the opposite flank, the returning Reece James adds elite crossing ability and physicality after recovering from a long-term hamstring injury.
In central midfield, Newcastle United’s Elliot Anderson partners a fully fit Declan Rice.
England’s lineup has been shaped by the absence of suspended centre-back Jarell Quansah and veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson, who misses out with a broken wrist.
- England confirmed starting XI: Pickford; James, Stones, Guehi, Spence; Rice, Anderson; Rogers, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.
- Subs: Trafford, D. Henderson, O’Reilly, Konsa, Saka, Rashford, Chalobah, Burn, Mainoo, Watkins, Madueke, Eze, Toney.
The winner of tonight’s blockbuster encounter in Atlanta will book a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Spain, who secured their spot after defeating France.
For Argentina, victory would keep Messi’s pursuit of back-to-back world titles alive in what is widely expected to be his final international tournament.
For England, a triumph would end decades of heartbreak and secure their first World Cup final appearance since 1966.
Where to watch England vs Argentina match in Kenya
In Kenya, you can catch the crucial semifinal World Cup clash between England vs Argentina live on SuperSport International (via DStv Channel 222) or on Azam TV Kenya through Azam Sports 2 HD and Azam Sports 4 HD.
Read more about other World Cup teams in 2026 below:
Morocco national football team 2026
Argentina national football team 2026
Mexico national football team 2026
Spain national football team 2026
Brazil national football team 2026
France national football team 2026
Senegal national football team 2026