1 in 4 Americans think they can score penalties at the World Cup
Emily Compagno leads a discussion about a new study that reveals surprisingly high confidence among Americans in soccer skills. The survey shows that one in four Americans believe they could score a penalty kick at the World Cup against a professional goalkeeper. Furthermore, 26% of workers admitted to skipping work for World Cup matches, with 4% watching all matches, underscoring the huge impact of the tournament on viewers this summer.
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It’s the Three Lions against the reigning champions in this epic World Cup semi-final clash in Atlanta on Wednesday.
England, led by Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, made it through to the quarter-finals after defeating Erling Haaland and Norway at the weekend.
But they will face Argentina, the Lionel Messi-led pack looking to get back to the World Cup finals and defend their 2022 title.
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Argentina’s Lionel Messi looks set to return to the World Cup finals to defend their 2022 title, while Harry Kane and England hope to return to the final for the first time since 1966 when they meet in Atlanta on Wednesday. (GETTY)
For Messi, it was 2022 when many thought he would be done with the World Cup, especially after finally adding that win to his illustrious resume. But he is back in 2026 and a Golden Boot Award front-runner, scoring eight goals in six games, although he was not among the three in the quarter-final match against Switzerland.
There was an opportunity at the end of the match as a consolation goal, but it was Lautaro Martínez who scored. But Julián Alvarez’s superb strike in the 112th minute of extra time sealed victory for Argentina, who were playing with a man advantage after Breel Embolo was shown a red card in the 72nd minute.
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In England’s case, Bellingham was man of the match, scoring his side’s two goals to beat Norway. One of those was controversial, however, after video replay showed a kick hit the wire holding up the Skycam and England needed just two passes before Bellingham made a man miss and buried his shot in the back of Norway’s net.
Although it wasn’t called in the moment, Bellingham’s second goal was undeniable after he cleared Morgan Rogers’ shot that deflected off Norway’s goalkeeper and landed right by his boot in stoppage time to send his side to the semi-finals.
Argentina have won two World Cup titles and fans are hoping forward Lionel Messi can make it three at the 2018 tournament. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko, file)
On the other hand, another match between England and Argentina is upon us. These two countries have produced some key moments in World Cup history, including the late Diego Maradona’s famous “Hand of God” goal in 1986, while David Beckham was shown a red card for kicking Diego Simeone in 1998.
There is drama between these two teams, with one wanting the chance to defend their title, while the other is hoping to get back to the said final for the first time since 1966. England won the tournament that year and are hoping to bring home the trophy.
It’s Messi. It’s Kane. It’s England and Argentina and it’s all on FOX. How to watch the match, including kick-off time, TV information and streaming options.
England’s Jude Bellingham celebrates scoring a first-half equalizer against Norway. (Photo by Martin Rickett/PA Images via Getty Images)
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How to watch England vs Argentina
When: Wednesday 15 July 2026
Where : Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
TV: FOX
Current: Watch on FOX One and FOX Sports
