England are one game away from a first men's World Cup final in 60 years, and the nation is holding its breath. On Wednesday 15 July 2026, Thomas Tuchel's side face Argentina in Atlanta for a place in the final, with the prospect of a bank holiday and a victory parade if they go all the way.
England reached the semi-finals after a 2-1 win over Norway in the quarter-finals, with goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane. They will now face the reigning champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi in his final World Cup. The match kicks off at 8pm UK time and will be shown live on the BBC.
“Explains England's 2026 World Cup semi-final, key player fitness, and potential bank holiday.”
Key selection decisions face Tuchel. Midfielder Declan Rice was substituted at half-time against Norway after struggling with a bug that had kept him in bed for two days before the game. He has told team medics he expects to be fit to start against Argentina, though he is not yet fully recovered. Jude Bellingham, who scored twice against Norway, has been the subject of speculation in Argentina after images showed him clutching his shoulder, but he has insisted the issue does not affect him during games.
Other selection calls include whether to start Ezri Konsa at right-back or bring in Reece James, and whether Bukayo Saka or Morgan Rogers should play on the right wing. BBC Sport experts have suggested leaving out Konsa to pair John Stones with Marc Guéhi at centre-back, while some argue Rogers could provide more attacking threat than Saka or Noni Madueke.
England have not faced Argentina in a competitive match since the 2002 World Cup. The rivalry includes the infamous 1986 "Hand of God" goal and David Beckham's red card in 1998. This will be the first time Messi has played against England in a World Cup.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to attend Sunday's final in New York if England beat Argentina. The government is reportedly planning a conditional bank holiday on Friday 24 July, to be granted only if England win the tournament. The date would allow businesses time to prepare and likely coincide with a victory parade. Starmer had previously said he did not want to "jinx it" when asked about a bank holiday earlier in the tournament.
The men's team are seeking to become only the second senior England side to win the World Cup, after the 1966 team. The women's team have been double European champions and World Cup finalists, and youth teams have won their age-group tournaments, reflecting deep investment in English football.
Q: How can I watch the England vs Argentina semi-final? The match kicks off at 8pm BST on Wednesday 15 July 2026 and will be broadcast live on the BBC.
Q: Is Declan Rice fit for the semi-final? Rice was substituted at half-time against Norway after a bug, but he has told medics he expects to start. He spent two days in bed before the quarter-final and is not yet fully recovered, but Tuchel will decide based on his condition.
Q: Will there be a bank holiday if England win the World Cup? The government is planning a conditional bank holiday on Friday 24 July, to be granted only if England win the tournament. It would likely coincide with a victory parade.
What happens next depends on Wednesday's result. If England beat Argentina, they will play the final on Sunday 19 July in New York. A win would trigger the bank holiday and a victory parade, while defeat would end the tournament. Starmer is expected to attend the final if England qualify, just hours before he tenders his resignation to the King.
