All the biggest moments, heated exchanges, fouls and stats from the first 45 minutes of a heated semifinal in Atlanta.
Published July 15, 2026
The first half of the World Cup semi-final match between England and Argentina in Atlanta featured some heated exchanges between players and a scuffle of fouls, but no goals were scored.
Wednesday’s much-awaited match is being played in a tense atmosphere as the reigning world champions will face a top-10 ranked team for the first time in the tournament.
The game quickly heated up, with arms flying and words being exchanged between players from both teams, but the first half ended without a goal or even a shot.
What were the key moments in the World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina?
Two minutes into the game, Jude Bellingham was fouled by Leandro Paredes with an elbow to the face. A few more minutes later, Elliott Anderson’s challenge on Lionel Messi brought down the Argentina captain, and the England player earned a retaliatory foul from Enzo Fernandes. However, the referee remained unconcerned and the England bench erupted into an uproar. England won their second free-kick in the seventh minute when Anderson was fouled by Giuliano Simeone, but England were unable to convert it into anything. England held the ball inside Argentina’s half and set up an attack on the left side, but were unable to convert into a shot. Anderson and Fernandes were back in action in the 13th minute, joined by Morgan Rogers and Paredes, and looked ready for an all-out clash on the pitch. England believed they had wronged the Argentine midfielder as manager Thomas Tuchel scolded him on the touchline. Again, no card came out.
How many cards were dealt in the semi-final between England and Argentina?
Both teams received one card each, and players from both teams engaged in a heated battle, starting with Andersson’s challenge on Messi in the 38th minute.
Shortly after, in the 42nd minute, Argentina’s Martinez was booked for pulling Rodgers back, which Martinez protested before continuing.
How many fouls were committed in the first half of the semi-final?
England had seven fouls, while Argentina had 12.
What was the result in the first half of England vs Argentina semi-final?
England had 44% of the possession, while Argentina had an overwhelming 56%.
