England and Argentina rekindle one of the World Cup's most heated rivalries when they meet in the semifinal in Atlanta, with Spain awaiting the winner.Follow all the action in our live blog.Collapse all postsFilter PostsAll19Key Events2Comments1Thu 16 Jul 2026 at 4:50amThu 16 Jul 2026 at 4:50amAtlanta Stadium is a Colosseum(Getty Images)Much like Dallas Stadium, Atlanta is another incredibly impressive arena.It’s indoor, air conditioned, and the big screen wraps around the centre of the roof in a circle for an immersive 360 degree viewing experience.There’s a large block of England supporters down one end but they look to be outnumbered by large groups of Argentina fans spread throughout the stands, and they’ve been on their feet chanting and getting ready. Let’s go!!Thu 16 Jul 2026 at 4:48amThu 16 Jul 2026 at 4:48amHow big a deal is the England-Argentina rivalry?By Simon Smale(Getty Images)Everyone is making a lot of the rivalry between these two countries.That's because it's very, very real.These two teams have met in World Cups five times, dating back to 1962.That first meeting was the only one that didn't have any controversy surrounding it - although I'm sure if we dug deep enough there would be something we could find.For a potted history of this rivalry, check out this.Thu 16 Jul 2026 at 4:46amThu 16 Jul 2026 at 4:46amThe superstition is strongBy Simon SmaleArgentina fans are leaving little to chance ahead of the World Cup semifinal against England, placing captain Harry Kane's name in the freezer and faithfully repeating the rituals they believe bring the national team luck on the pitch.The practices are part of Argentina's long tradition of 'cabalas' — superstitions fans believe can influence the team's fortunes.As defending champions Argentina prepare to face England for a place in the final, supporters are clinging to routines they say helped deliver past victories.Many refuse to say opponents' names, wear the same often-unwashed jerseys, sit in the same seats and eat the same meals before each match, convinced that changing anything could jinx the team's chances of lifting another trophy."My friends and I have a ritual," said 13-year-old Ines Mutri."We write the name of the star player and goalkeeper on the same piece of paper and freeze it in the freezer."This time we're going to freeze Kane because he's the top scorer."In a country where football inspires a near-religious devotion, such rituals, fans say, offer a sense of control over a result that ultimately remains beyond their influence.The tradition runs deep. Carlos Bilardo, the coach who led Argentina to the 1986 World Cup title, became famous for elaborate superstitions like dictating the order in which they stepped onto the pitch, helping cement 'cabalas' in Argentine soccer folklore.Even current coach Lionel Scaloni has acknowledged his own ritual."I step onto the field with my right foot and make the sign of the cross," he said during the tournament.Some customs evolve with the times. During this year's World Cup, fans have shared AI-generated images on social media showing rival players frozen in blocks of ice, a symbolic way of preventing dangerous opponents from moving, scoring or making saves.The idea has spilled into real life. Student Juan Pablo Calvo, 18, said he plans to freeze Jude Bellingham's name because he considers him "a tremendous player," though he remains confident in Argentina."Even though Messi has already won every trophy there is to win, this is a special opportunity because he's never faced England in a match like this, let alone in a semifinal," Calvo said.Other fans say repetition is the most important 'cabala'. Once Argentina win, every detail of the day must be recreated for the next match: the same people, the same seat, the same shirt and, if possible, the same meal.Mutri is watching with eight friends who wear the same hats and sit in the same places every game."I feel that the match against England is going to be a nerve-racking one, like all the others," she said."But it's going to be good. It's going to be fun."- ReutersThu 16 Jul 2026 at 4:43amThu 16 Jul 2026 at 4:43amArgentina to wear change dark blue kitBy Simon SmaleEngland and Argentina have met five times previously at World Cups.England won 3-1 in 1962England won 1-0 in 1966Argentina won 2-1 in 1986Argentina won on penalties in 1998And England won 1-0 in 2002What do you notice about Argentina's kit in two of the three defeats they have suffered? Yep, Argentina has only beaten England at the World Cup while wearing their dark blue change strip.What kit are they wearing today, I hear you ask?Yep.Azul oscuro.Argentina wore dark blue against Jordan earlier in the tournament (Getty Images)"I would have done the same if there was any superstition combined with it," Thomas Tuchel told reporters on Tuesday."So credit to them."I have my superstitious routines. I will not tell you because another superstition is that if I tell you, it will not work."We have routines that keep you grounded and calm through the day, and that will not change. We have, of course, also our lucky charms, and these things are just normal in high-level sport."Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said he didn't request the change."Well, I didn't ask for the blue one. I don't know who did, but perhaps it's tradition," Scaloni said."I really don't know. I can't speak to that."Thu 16 Jul 2026 at 4:41amThu 16 Jul 2026 at 4:41amEngland 'have another level we can reach'By Simon Smale(Getty Images)England is desperate to reach another level - and it will have to do so in order to make the next step, according to England skipper Harry Kane.Thomas Tuchel was upset with England's performance in beating Norway last time out, saying the team "got lucky" and were "sloppy".That got the goat up Jude Bellingham, who was fed some pretty inflammatory lines by the sideline reporter to get a rise out of him.It worked.Bellingham said Tuchel "doesn't know what it's like to play in those conditions".Tuchel did praise England's spirit, a fact conveniently left out of the interviewer's recantation to Bellingham.Kane said there was no issue in the squad over Tuchel's comments, and agreed with his coach."When he sees us train and sees the closeness of us and sees what we can do, especially with the players we have, the way we attack, our one-on-ones and the skills, he just wants to see that version of us," Kane said."He knows as much as anyone that it's not as simple as that, we're playing against good opposition and good teams."He's trying to drag it out of us and we know ourselves we have another level we can reach."We haven't seen that yet, we've shown it in glimpses. Against Norway it was in glimpses. But we haven't had full control that we would like and I feel we can have."We'll be playing against one of the best teams in the world in the semifinal, so the most pleasing thing is we are in a semifinal and still feel we can improve."But I don't think it is something to get really over the top about. We are showing a lot of good things."Thu 16 Jul 2026 at 4:40amThu 16 Jul 2026 at 4:40amMessi does know England's players though...By Simon SmaleThu 16 Jul 2026 at 4:38amThu 16 Jul 2026 at 4:38amLionel Messi has never played against EnglandBy Simon Smale(Getty Images)It is something of a quirk that Argentina's newest Messiah and England have never crossed paths before.But it's not entirely unsurprising.The last time England and Argentina met was in a friendly in Switzerland in November 2005.Messi would almost certainly have played in that game, but the then-18-year-old was actually suspended for being sent off on his senior international debut three months earlier.Thu 16 Jul 2026 at 4:34amThu 16 Jul 2026 at 4:34amTime for the next instalment of this rivalryBy Amanda ShalalaHi everyone, I’m at Atlanta Stadium today for this epic showdown.On my way to the stadium I saw waaaaay more Argentina fans around, but I will let you know what it’s like once the game kicks off.There has been lots of hype around the rivalry and the bad blood between these teams, and fair to say there are hostile vibes amongst the opposing fans here but nothing aggressive.Currently witnessing some Argentina fans singing boisterously at some nearby England fans, but everyone is smiling.Fans throughout this tournament have been largely really well behaved, so let’s hope that continues regardless of today’s result.Thu 16 Jul 2026 at 4:33amThu 16 Jul 2026 at 4:33amThe shadow of MaradonaBy Simon Smale(Getty Images)One game comes up more often than any other when England comes up against Argentina.Not Messi - he's never played against England, although has destroyed plenty of English teams in the Champions League.In fact, Messi faced English teams 36 times and was involved in 33 goals (27 goals, 6 assists), a record for a player against clubs of one nation.But no, this fixture is all about Maradona.The late great optimised everything about Argentinian football, the tricky street urchin with the mischievous smile and the skills to die for, a pibe.Nobody had more impact on England than Maradona.His legacy hangs heavy over this match.Thu 16 Jul 2026 at 4:28amThu 16 Jul 2026 at 4:28am'They hate us, and we hate them'By Simon Smale(Getty Images)Amanda Shalala has been out and about in Atlanta over the last couple of days, getting an understanding of what this match means to both England and Argentina fans on the ground.It goes without saying, that it means everything.Read her piece from downtown Atlanta here.Thu 16 Jul 2026 at 4:25amThu 16 Jul 2026 at 4:25amRice ready for massive occasionBy Simon Smale(Getty Images)England midfielder Declan Rice spoke a short time ago to the BBC."It doesn't get bigger than this, does it?" he says."It's the biggest competition in football, playing against the current holders [Argentina]."What a game and what an occasion and one that we are ready for."It will be about staying mentally strong throughout the game, building into the game."We know what Argentina are about. We have watched their games and clips. We've got a gameplan ready. We are ready to go out there and get into this final."He says that whoever plays and comes on is going to be important, and backs Morgan Rogers to do a job on the right.As for his own fitness - he spent a couple of days in bed sick before the Norway game, he is back to full strength now."Back to normal now … I'm 100 per cent now," he says."I feel really, really good and refreshed. Ready to go."Thu 16 Jul 2026 at 4:22amThu 16 Jul 2026 at 4:22amGet your predictions in early...By Simon SmaleMorning Simon. This game on paper should have everything. Unmatched rivalry , great strikers , great goalkeeper in Pickford . I just hope the referee and VAR are up to it. As one expat to another to another it’ll be England 3-2 mate.- PhillipIt does have all the ingredients doesn't it?It would take something to top the win at the Azteca for England - which has been the peak for the Three Lions this tournament so far.But a win here would be enormous for English football.Thu 16 Jul 2026 at 4:20amThu 16 Jul 2026 at 4:20amEngland needs 'complete performance'By Simon Smale(Getty Images)Thomas Tuchel has been speaking pre-game.He says that "these are the occasions you dream of."They've haunted the nightmares of England fans to be honest...He says that the choices he made at the back are purely because that's what fits."They're specialists and they deserve to play," he says.As for Morgan Rogers on the right?"It's just a feeling, just a stomach feeling from the coach," he says.Interesting.He adds that England have to be on top of their game to stop Argentina."You need a lot of keys, you need a complete performance."Thu 16 Jul 2026 at 4:19amThu 16 Jul 2026 at 4:19amEnhanced security for today's matchBy Simon Smale(Getty Images)The Atlanta Police Department (APD) will have enhanced security in place for today's match.The World Cup has been free of the violent disorder that blighted some tournaments in the 1980s and 1990s but authorities are taking no chances for the last of the seven matches at Atlanta Stadium."The Atlanta Police Department has enhanced its citywide public safety and security posture," the APD said in a statement."Additional personnel and resources are already deployed and will continue to be strategically assigned ... to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone."The APD said the proactive measures were the result of continual assessment of what was required to secure the matches in Atlanta."Adjustments are a routine part of managing an event of this magnitude and are intended to ensure a safe and enjoyable FIFA World Cup experience," the statement added.Argentina's security minister, Alejandra Monteoliva, said on Tuesday that enhanced security had been discussed at a meeting in the United States on Monday.Monteoliva indicated that, for the first time at the tournament, rival fans would be channelled into Atlanta Stadium through separate entrances on Wednesday."There will be 1,600 officers ... We want the celebration to be peaceful," she told local radio in Argentina.FIFA's ticket sales policies for the tournament mean that segregating fans inside the stadium, as happens routinely in domestic football matches in England and Argentina, would be nigh on impossible on Wednesday.The APD said it works closely with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and its "public safety partners" on planning for such events but never "discuss specific operational risk assessments or the details of planning".Given the contested nature of The Falkland Islands/Las Islas Malvinas, Monteoliva said that Argentina fans would not be able to take any flags or banners into Atlanta Stadium which claimed sovereignty over the islands."The entry of elements that have any type of provocative message, whether of political or racial content, is prohibited. They will not be able to enter flags or posters with that content," Monteoliva said.- ReutersThu 16 Jul 2026 at 4:13amThu 16 Jul 2026 at 4:13amEngland 'together'By Simon Smale(Getty Images)Despite attempts to provoke some sort of internal dispute, England players say they are together as a team, heading into today's match."I think for us, outside noise is always going to happen," Ezri Konsa told reporters on Tuesday."But you have to be able to block it out. We've been in the game a long time now and we know what comes with it. We have a great group, we're all together, there's been no issues."Fellow defender Marc Guehi had plenty of praise for the German manager, and spoke of the squad's unity."He's brought a lot in terms of his energy on and off the field," he said of Tuchel."I think he's created a squad where there's a big togetherness and real belief in what we're doing at the moment, and everyone's behind him."There's never been more of a time where we were together, to be honest. After that game, I think it just brought everyone together."(Getty Images)In the next room inside Atlanta Stadium, Tuchel was told at his press conference about the players praising the togetherness he had instilled in the team."I have just reinforced the belief that deep down football is still about being together and it's a team effort," Tuchel said."It's not only us, I think the whole World Cup showed all superstars committed to the team idea, committed to the team spirit, committed to the idea to play for their country."It's just outstanding mentality, mostly behind closed doors. The team is absolutely ready to give everything every single time, and they simply don't give in. This is the key attribute of our team, which makes me very proud."- with ReutersThu 16 Jul 2026 at 4:10amThu 16 Jul 2026 at 4:10amThomas Tuchel's exchange with Jude Bellingham gives England another chance to prove its World Cup mettleBy Simon SmaleWas Thomas Tuchel too harsh on England last time out?Was Jude Bellingham right to clap back at his coach?Is this an unnecessary storm in a tea cup that England could have done without?Or, as Chris de Silva argues, will this just give the side another chance to pull things together?Key EventThu 16 Jul 2026 at 4:07amThu 16 Jul 2026 at 4:07amArgentina makes one changeBy Simon SmaleLionel Scaloni makes just one change from the side that won through the last two rounds.(@Argentina)Giuliano Simeone - there's a name that will give England fans of a certain generation a cold shiver of distaste - comes in, replacing Rodrigo De Paul on the attacking flank.Key EventThu 16 Jul 2026 at 4:04amThu 16 Jul 2026 at 4:04amThree changes for EnglandBy Simon SmaleThomas Tuchel has made three changes to the side that he was not overly impressed with in beating Norway in the quarterfinal.(@England)Reece James and Djed Spence come into the back four, two huge ins for England, particularly Chelsea's James, who started the first two games of the tournament.Spence, meanwhile, replaces Nico O'Reilly on the left.In midfield, Morgan Rogers comes in for Noni Madueke, who did disappoint in the quarterfinal, on the wing.Thu 16 Jul 2026 at 3:56amThu 16 Jul 2026 at 3:56amEngland vs ArgentinaBy Simon Smale(Getty Images)Hello everybody and welcome to the ABC Sport coverage of the second World Cup semifinal.My name is Simon Smale and it simply doesn't get much bigger than this.It's arguably the biggest and most volatile game in world football, England against Argentina.These two nations have a history that blurs the lines of sporting exploits and political machinations and just about every possible facet of life in between.It's a match that needs no build up, no hype teams and no hyperbole.And what bigger prize on offer than a place in the World Cup final?It's a massive contest, and I am thrilled to be here with you for it all.