England vs. Argentina Semifinal Prediction: FIFA World Cup Odds, Betting Picks
England will aim to reach the World Cup final for the first time in 60 years when they meet defending champion Argentina in the tournament’s second semifinal on Wednesday.
It hasn’t been an easy path for the Three Lions, who had to face World Cup co-host Mexico in the Round of 16 before an extra-time win over Norway in the quarterfinals.
It’s been even rockier for Argentina after three straight dramatic knockout round victories over Cape Verde, Egypt and Switzerland.
Which is these powerhouses will advance to the final to face the winner of France vs. Spain?
Check out our full list of live 2026 World Cup betting odds.
England vs. Argentina FIFA World Cup: How to Watch and Match Info
Time: 3 p.m. ET
Location: Mercedes Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
How to watch in Canada: TSN, TSN+, CTV, Crave
Weather: Retractable roof will be closed
England vs. Argentina Betting Odds
England is a +160 favourite to win in 90 minutes, while Argentina is a +210 underdog and a regular time draw is listed at +185. The total is pegged at 2.5, which makes the Over (+135) attractive with elite scorers in Harry Kane and Lionel Messi taking the pitch.
The winner of this game will face the winner of France vs. Spain in the other semifinal. If Argentina and France win, it will obviously be a rematch of the last World Cup final. La Seleccion won that thrilling game in penalties, with Messi and Kylian Mbappe each recording braces.
England vs. Argentina Predicted Starting XI Lineups
England Predicted Starting XI: 4-2-3-1
Jordan Pickford
Ezri Konsa | John Stones | Marc Guehi | Nico O’Reilly
Declan Rice | Elliot Anderson
Bukayo Saka | Jude Bellingham | Anthony Gordon
Harry Kane
Argentina Starting XI: 4-1-3-2
Emiliano Martinez
Nahuel Molina | Cristian Romero | Lisandro Martinez | Nicolas Tagliafico
Leandro Paredes
Rodrigo De Paul | Enzo Fernandez | Alexis Mac Allister
Lionel Messi | Julian Alvarez
England FIFA World Cup Odds and News
As mentioned, it hasn’t been easy for the Three Lions. After an uneven group stage, England barely scraped by DR Congo before tough games against Mexico and Norway. Jude Bellingham’s back-to-back braces over the last two games have been absolutely crucial. Bellingham is now tied with teammate Kane for fourth in tournament goalscoring with six apiece.
England has largely relied on outscoring their defensive liabilities. While the Three Lions have scored at least two goals in four straight matches, they have also failed to record a clean sheet in their last three games. It won’t get any easier against an elite Argentine offence, especially with right-back Jarell Quansah still suspended.
Argentina FIFA World Cup Odds and News
It hasn’t always been pretty, but Argentina’s record speaks for itself. Since dropping their opener at Qatar 2022, La Seleccion are unbeaten in their last 12 World Cup matches. In fact, in six all-time World Cup semifinal appearances, they’ve never lost. Much like their semifinal opponents, Argentina has leaned heavily on their offence with a tournament-high 17 goals, including three in each of their last four games.
To no one’s surprise, Messi has carried the bulk of the load up front. The 39-year-old is level with Mbappe in the Golden Boot race with eight goals apiece and it’s important to note there is a third-place game, so both players will each play two more matches.
England vs. Argentina Player Odds and Props
Harry Kane 2+ shots on target (+125)
Bellingham has been the hero the last two games, but this is Kane’s team. I expect the Bayern Munich star to do everything in his power to almost single-handedly will England to the final.
Lionel Messi anytime goal (+138)
Messi didn’t find the back of the net against Switzerland in the quarters, but he has scored in five of six games for Argentina at this World Cup, so I don’t see him going two straight without a goal.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Bracket and Futures
It’s a little surprising to see oddsmakers so down on Messi and defending champion Argentina as they have the longest World Cup odds of the four remaining teams at +450. England is tied with Spain in the middle at +333 each, while France is the favourite at +140.
With each team set to play two more games, there’s a little more value in taking Messi (+150) to win the Golden Boot over the favourite, Mbappe (-120).
England vs. Argentina Score Prediction
Final score prediction: England 2 | Argentina 1
Argentina looked like they were done in multiple knockout games this year and I just don’t trust a team playing with fire like that. Maybe it’s recency bias with the New York Knicks winning the NBA championship, but this feels like the year England’s World Cup drought ends.
Both teams are prone to sacrificing defence for offence, so this could be an all-time classic matchup.
Bonus best bet parlay: Both teams to score – yes + England to qualify (+240)