Lionel Messi takes on England for the first time in his career as Argentina meet their old rivals in a history-filled FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final in Atlanta – and you can live stream the game around the world for free.
From a fierce encounter in 1966, to the ‘Hand of God’ 20 years later and David Beckham’s kick-out on Diego Simeone in France ’98, this match has produced some unforgettable World Cup moments – but this is the first time England have met Argentina in the semi-finals or beyond. In fact, they have not met at all since a friendly in November 2005, three months after Messi’s international debut. The Albiceleste captain was not involved that day but will be looking to produce another match-winning performance in Atlanta after watching his teammates make the difference in the 3-1 extra-time win over Switzerland in the quarter-finals. With eight goals to his name, Messi has shown at this World Cup that he remains top class, even at the age of 39.
England have their own superstars capable of lifting their team to victory, which is exactly what Jude Bellingham did in the quarter-final against Norway. The Real Madrid midfielder scored twice in a 2-1 extra-time win, but manager Thomas Tuchel was far from satisfied with the Three Lions’ performance. England have yet to play to their potential in this tournament but find themselves in just their fourth World Cup semi-final as they look to reach the final for the first time since winning the trophy in 1966. Defender Jarell Quansah remains on the sidelines as he serves the second match of his two-match suspension.
So read on as we show you exactly how to watch England vs Argentina for free from anywhere in FIFA World Cup 2026.
How to watch England vs Argentina for free
England vs Argentina is available to watch for free in several countries, including the UK, Australia, Brazil, Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Turkey.
Abroad? Can’t access your free stream? Unblock your free World Cup stream with Norton VPN – more on that below.
Use a VPN to watch England vs Argentina live streams
It’s the World Cup, and if you’re out and about, you might spot your usual England vs Argentina stream is suddenly unavailable due to geo-restrictions.
Don’t worry, this is exactly where a VPN can help. A virtual private network lets you connect to servers around the world, so you can safely access your usual VM coverage as if you were back at home.
We recommend Norton VPN. Here’s why:
How to watch England vs Argentina in the USA
American viewers can watch England vs Argentina on Fox (English commentary) or Telemundo (Spanish commentary).
Fox is available on string trimmers such as YouTube TV (free trial), Hulu+Live TV, Sling (selected markets), Fubo or DirecTV.
We’d recommend Sling TV:
Those looking for a streaming service instead can watch England vs Argentina Fox One (3-day free trial). Telemundo is also available via Peacock ($10.99/month).
Visiting the US from the UK? You can still watch your WC stream for free thanks Norton VPN (Try for 60 days).
How to watch England vs Argentina in the UK
UK customers are in luck as they can stream England vs Argentina free on BBC One. Live coverage is also available via BBC iPlayer.
You require a TV license and a valid UK postcode for an account (eg SE1 7PB).
Norton VPN can unlock your stream if you are abroad today.
How to watch England vs Argentina in Australia
England vs Argentina will be shown for free in Australia on SBS On Demand.
The streaming platform has every game in the tournament for free, making it the perfect place for your World Cup viewing.
Are you traveling for work or on holiday? A VPN that Norton VPN can help unlock your free stream.
How to watch England vs Argentina in Canada
In Canada, TSN and free channel CTV will broadcast England vs Argentina.
You can stream live via TSN+ streaming platform, which costs $80 per month or $80 per year.
CTV will require the TV provider’s login information, which you can watch online for free.
Outside of Canada? Use Norton VPN while traveling away from home to unlock your stream.
How to watch England vs Argentina in New Zealand
In New Zealand, England vs Argentina will be broadcast free-to-air on TVNZ+.
While some games require the Tournament Pass (NZ$44.95), this is not one of them and New Zealand residents can stream at no cost.
England vs Argentina: Match Information
When does England vs Argentina start?
England vs Argentina starts at 8pm BST / 3pm ET Wednesday 15 July. It is at 05:00 AEST Thursday 16 July in Australia.
What are the squads for England vs Argentina?
England
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), James Trafford (Manchester City).
Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City), Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur), John Stones (Manchester City).
Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa).
Extenders: Anthony Gordon (Barcelona), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa).
Argentina
Goalkeepers: Juan Musso (Atletico Madrid), Geronimo Rulli (Marseille), Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa).
Defenders: Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon), Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Facundo Medina (Marseille), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid).
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (River Plate), Rodrigo de Paul (Inter Miami), Valentin Barco (Strasbourg), Giovani lo Celso (Real Betis), Ezequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Alexis MacAllister (Liverpool), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea).
Extenders: Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Nicolas Gonzalez (Atletico Madrid), Thiago Almada (Atletico Madrid), Giuliano Simeone (Atletico Madrid), Nico Paz (Como), Jose Manuel Lopez (Palmeiras), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan).
|
Scene |
England |
Argentina |
|
Group phase |
Group L: 1st, 7 points |
Group J: 1st, 9 points |
|
Last 32 |
Beat DR Congo (2-1) |
Beat Cape Verde (3-2 AET) |
|
Last 16 |
Beat Mexico (3-2) |
Beat Egypt (3-2) |
|
Quarterfinals |
Beat Norway (2-1 AET) |
Beat Switzerland (3-1 AET) |
What’s the weather like for England vs Argentina?
The temperature in Atlanta on Tuesday is expected to be around 82F (28C) at kick-off.
The good news is that the stadium is fully air-conditioned and has a retractable roof, which will make conditions much more comfortable for players and fans.
Can I watch England vs Argentina on my mobile?
Of course, most broadcasters have streaming services that you can access via mobile apps or via your phone’s browser.
You can also stay up to date with all the World Cup highlights on the official social media channels on X/Twitter (@FIFAWorldCup), Instagram (@FIFAWorldCup), TikTok (@FIFAWorldCup) and YouTube (@FIFA).
We test and review VPN services for legitimate recreational use. For example: 1. Accessing a Service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that Service). 2. Protecting your online security and enhancing your online privacy when you are abroad. We do not support or condone illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consumption of paid-for pirated content is neither endorsed nor endorsed by Future Publishing.
