Overview
- France meet Spain in Arlington on Tuesday, July 14 and England play Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 15 with the England kick‑off at 3pm local (8pm UK).
- Lionel Messi says facing England will be his first match against that national team and adds personal significance to the Argentina‑England tie.
- England enter the semi on the back of Jude Bellingham’s recent scoring form and a six‑goal partnership with Harry Kane that has carried their attack.
- Argentina have repeatedly needed extra time in knockout rounds, raising questions about player freshness and whether late goals will decide the match.
- Tournament officiating and VAR decisions have drawn sustained scrutiny this week and could shape both semifinals and trust in FIFA’s procedures.