The 2026 World Cup, hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States, is nearing its climax. With all three host nations eliminated, the remaining four teams are France, Spain, England, and Argentina. Today, England takes on Argentina at Atlanta Stadium in the second semifinal, scheduled for 3:00 PM ET. This match pits two football powerhouses against each other in a highly anticipated showdown.
England vs Argentina semifinal kicks off in Atlanta
England, after navigating the group stage and knockout rounds, faces an Argentina side led by Lionel Messi, one of the tournament favorites. The rivalry is storied, with memorable encounters such as the 1998 quarterfinal and the 1986 final. The atmosphere at Atlanta Stadium promises to be electric, with thousands of fans cheering on their teams. The winner advances to the final on July 19 at New York/New Jersey Stadium, while the loser will play for third place on July 18 in Miami.
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Where to watch the match on TV and streaming
For fans unable to attend, the match will be broadcast live on Fox Sports in the US. Streaming options include FoxOne for $20 per month. FIFA has partnered with YouTube, offering the YouTube TV sports plan at $55 per month. Other paid services include Fubo ($46 per month) and Hulu's live sports add-on ($90 per month). Spanish-language coverage is available on Peacock via Telemundo. For those still needing tickets, platforms like the event ticketing software discussed in our article on ticketing software can help manage purchases and entry.
The new 48-team format reshaped the tournament
This edition is the first with 48 teams, expanded from 32. The format includes a group stage (12 groups A to L), followed by a round of 32, round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and final. FIFA reported that over 6.2 million people attended matches in person, with millions more following via digital platforms and broadcast. This expansion has made the tournament more inclusive but also more demanding, with high-quality matches from the start.
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First-ever World Cup halftime show debuts at the final
The final on July 19 will feature a groundbreaking halftime show, similar to the Super Bowl, with performances by Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, BTS, and Gustavo Dudamel. The show is expected around 4:00 PM ET during the break. This initiative aims to enhance the fan experience and create a global spectacle.
For more on the tournament's history, check the Wikipedia page for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As kickoff approaches, fans of England and Argentina hold their breath for what promises to be one of the most thrilling semifinals ever.
Source: https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-watch-the-fifa-2026-world-cup-07-15-2026
