England will play Spain in the World Cup final if they beat Argentina in tonight's semi-final in Atlanta. The final is scheduled for Sunday at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with kick-off at 8pm BST.
Spain's path to the final
Spain secured their place in the final with a dominant 2-0 victory over France in the first semi-final on Tuesday night. Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro sealed the win for Luis de la Fuente's side. According to reports, Spain have not lost a game in over three years, with their unbeaten run of 37 matches equalling the joint-highest of any men's team in international football history.
This will be Spain's second World Cup final appearance, having beaten the Netherlands 1-0 in the 2010 final. They also boast a formidable record in major finals, winning the European Championships in 2008, 2012, and 2024. The last time they lost in a major final was the 1984 European Championships, 42 years ago.
What if England lose to Argentina?
Should Argentina prevail, England will instead contest the third-place play-off against France. That match will take place in Miami on Saturday at 10pm BST. While the Three Lions will be desperate to avoid that game, it would offer a chance to secure their best World Cup finish since 1966. England have recent experience of the third-place match, having lost to Belgium in the 2018 play-off after an agonising extra-time defeat to Croatia in the semi-finals.
