Kane against Messi, England against the defending champions — the second semifinal decides who meets France or Spain in Sunday’s final.
The World Cup 2026 semifinals conclude tonight with the tie every neutral wanted: England against Argentina, kick-off 20:00 WAT at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The winner already knows their opponent — France beat Spain in Dallas on Tuesday to book the first final spot, with the winner tonight facing them on July 19 at MetLife Stadium.
No African side made it this far. Ghana, the last African team standing, went out to Colombia in the Round of 32 back on July 4. Nigerian fans without a horse in this race still get arguably the standout fixture of the tournament — Harry Kane chasing his first World Cup final against Lionel Messi defending the trophy he finally won in 2022.
England have been efficient rather than spectacular, but the results speak for themselves. Kane has scored six goals this tournament — two against Croatia, one against Panama, a double versus DR Congo and a penalty to see off co-hosts Mexico in the quarterfinal, which England won 3-2. That run has already pushed his career World Cup tally past Gary Lineker’s old England record, and one more good night puts him level with the all-time greats.
Argentina have taken the harder road. They needed extra time to see off Switzerland 3-1 in the quarterfinal, with Alexis Mac Allister heading home a Messi corner before Julián Alvarez and Lautaro Martínez scored late in extra time to finish it off. Messi picked up a cut near his eye in a collision during that game but is expected to start. He arrives with eight goals for the tournament and a World Cup-record 10th assist from that same corner delivery — at 39, still the man Argentina’s entire game plan runs through.
Neither side has been convincing defensively in the knockouts. England needed a Kane penalty to get past Mexico, and Argentina have gone to extra time in back-to-back knockout matches. Two teams that keep finding a way to win despite themselves rarely produce a cagey semifinal.
Markets have this one close to a coin flip. England price out around 2.70 on the 90-minute money line, Argentina near 3.00, with the draw around 2.85. On tournament advancement odds, England are marginal favourites, but Squawka’s Signal model actually leans the other way — 53 per cent Argentina to reach the final.
Kane to score anytime is priced around 2.10 on Bet9ja given his scoring rate this tournament, while Messi to score anytime sits close to 2.30 — both were involved in their side’s last goal and neither has gone two matches without a shot on target. Both teams to score is priced near 1.85; Argentina’s defence has needed extra time twice running, and England have not kept a clean sheet since the group stage. For value, over 2.5 goals at approximately 1.95 covers the likeliest shape of the game given how open both quarterfinals were.
Prediction: Argentina 2-2 England, Argentina through on penalties — but do not be surprised if this one needs extra time again.
The match is live on SuperSport from 20:00 WAT. Prices will move once team news is confirmed roughly an hour before kick-off, particularly around Messi’s fitness, so check odds late. Compare Bet9ja, SportyBet and BetKing before staking — see our guide to the best betting sites in Nigeria if you need a new platform. For official squad news, check FIFA.com.
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