2026 FIFA World Cup Best Bets (July 15): Argentina vs. England Odds & Prediction

Either Argentina or England will advance to the World Cup finals based on the result of their semifinal match in Atlanta this afternoon. Oddsmakers have England slightly favored to advance (-120) vs Argentina (+100).

The match will begin at 3 p.m. ET on FOX, FOX ONE, Telemundo, and Peacock. Both Lionel Messi and Harry Kane will be on the pitch seeking to be the hero for their respective nations. For Messi, a goal would secure the adidas Golden Boot Award as the top-scorer in the World Cup.

(Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

This will be the first time Messi has ever faced England, either in a friendly, a World Cup, or anywhere. What can we expect? Will he get the one goal he needs to sew up the Golden Boot and lead his team back to the finals? Let's get into the match and make two Best Bet picks.

Odds in this World Cup betting preview are from DraftKings. Find your next bonus bet credits from the Top Soccer Betting Offers as reviewed by our experts.

World Cup Odds for Wednesday, July 15

I won both of my World Cup Best Bets on Tuesday for a sum of $215. These odds for ENG/ARG are for 90 Minutes:

• England: +165
• Argentina: +200
• Draw: +190

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook

The elite semifinal round comes to a conclusion on Wednesday in Atlanta. This is the first time since rankings started in 1992 that each of the top four world ranked teams made the semis. Now, England and Argentina both have narratives for a trip to a finals matchup against Spain.

For England, it would be an opportunity to win its first World Cup in 60 years. For Argentina, the repeat is possible. If La Albiceleste gets to the finals and wins a second straight title, it will join Brazil and Italy as the only nations to win two consecutive Cups.

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FIFA World Cup Best Bets: Argentina vs. England (July 15)

It would appear, based on advanced numbers, that Argentina should be favored. But, England has had to defeat better teams to get here. Both Mexico and Norway were eliminated by England. In contrast, Argentina got Cape Verde and Egypt in the knockout stage, and struggled against both.

However, Argentina has found ways to win because of its superior passing and patience. Three times in this tournament, Argentina has scored game-tying goals with under 12 minutes to play in regulation time.

Messi is the focal point of this match. It's not only his goals, it's the unrivaled attention he commands from the opposition when he doesn't have his dribble going. There has never been a better decoy in the history of the sport.

Key Stats for this match

• Argentina has a +2.9 Expected Goal Difference at even strength compared to +2.1 for England.
• England has had 71 Attempts Inside the Penalty Area, the second-most in the World Cup.
• Though England has a +65 edge in crosses, it's accuracy rate trails that of Argentina: 34 to 28%.
• Argentina averages three off-sides per game, the most of any team that advanced to the knockout phase. That aggressive play is why they outperform expected goals and push for chances to net a goal.

World Cup Best Bet Picks

Argentina has scored three goals in its last four World Cup matches, and in five of its last six. On the other side, England has scored at least two goals in five of its six matches. That doesn't mean the nets will be ripped open from goal-scoring on Wednesday. But, I expect at least three goals in 90 minutes, as both these nations dare to attack.

• Over 2.5 Total Goals Scored (+135, DraftKings)

Messi has taken part in 10 of Argentina's 17 goals. He and teammate Lautaro Martinez are usually smack dab in the middle of scoring threats. England's defenders are not as experienced as the Argentine squad: Marc Guéhi and Nico O'Reilly are making just their seventh starts in the World Cup. Five players on Argentina have at least 20 appearances in this tournament.

I like the explosive scoring power of Argentina and the experience their roster brings to another marquee match in the late stages of the World Cup. But England is so good I don't want to wager on the 90-minute result, so I'll take the defending champs to advance. Your winning bet of $100 will be worth $200, including stakes.

• Argentina To Advance (+100, DraftKings)