Football giants Argentina and England are set for a blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, with a place in the final at stake. The clash at Atlanta Stadium will kick off at 12:30 AM IST on Thursday, reviving one of international football's most iconic rivalries.

Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, enters the contest with a perfect record in the tournament, while England hopes to end a 60-year wait for another World Cup final.

Historic Rivalry Returns

This will be the first World Cup meeting between Argentina and England since the 2002 edition, when England secured a 1-0 victory. Overall, the two sides have played 14 international matches, with England winning six, Argentina three, and five ending in draws.

The semi-final will mark their sixth World Cup encounter, adding another chapter to a rivalry filled with memorable moments.

Messi Targets Consecutive World Cup Finals

Lionel Messi has once again been Argentina's driving force. The captain has scored eight goals in the tournament and is among the leading contenders for the Golden Boot.

Argentina has won all six of its matches so far, defeating Algeria, Austria and Jordan in the group stage before overcoming Cape Verde, Egypt and Switzerland in the knockout rounds.

A victory over England would send Argentina into its seventh World Cup final. The South American giants have previously lifted the trophy in 1978, 1986 and 2022, while finishing runners-up in 1930, 1990 and 2014.

England Seeking First Final Since 1966

England arrives with confidence after an impressive campaign that includes five wins and one draw.

The Three Lions defeated Croatia and Panama during the group stage before drawing with Ghana. They then eliminated DR Congo, Mexico and Norway to reach the last four.

Captain Harry Kane has scored six goals in the tournament and will once again spearhead England's attack alongside Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka.

A victory would send England into its first World Cup final since 1966, when it won its only FIFA World Cup title.

Key Battle: Messi vs Kane

The spotlight will naturally fall on Lionel Messi and Harry Kane, two of world football's biggest stars.

While Messi has orchestrated Argentina's unbeaten campaign with eight goals, Kane has consistently delivered crucial goals for England. Midfield battles involving Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Declan Rice and Kobbie Mainoo could prove decisive in determining which team controls possession.

Argentina's defensive pairing of Cristian Romero and Nicolás Otamendi will also face a stern test against England's attacking quartet.

Probable Playing XIs

Argentina: Emiliano Martínez, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Nicolás Tagliafico, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez, Nicolás González.

England: Jordan Pickford, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Marc Guéhi, Kieran Trippier, Declan Rice, Kobbie Mainoo, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Harry Kane.

What's at Stake

The winner will advance to the FIFA World Cup 2026 final to face Spain, which booked its place after defeating France 2-0 in the first semi-final. For Argentina, it is an opportunity to defend its world title and give Messi another shot at football's biggest prize. For England, it represents a chance to end six decades of waiting and move one step closer to a second World Cup crown.