The Argentina national team is in the decisive moments of the pre-match against England in the World Cup 2026 semifinals in Atlanta, with Lionel Scaloni defining the team's lineup. Until now, there are two main doubts that the World Cup-winning coach is trying to clear up in the last training session in American soil.

What changes will be made to the Albiceleste's formation?

In yesterday's practice, the Pujato strategist tried out a line of three defenders with the presence of Nicolás Otamendi alongside Cristian Cuti Romero and Lisandro Martínez, the undisputed central duo. In the team, Nicolás Tagliafico will maintain his position on the left wing, and the right-back position will be decided between Nahuel Molina and Gonzalo Montiel. Another variable in this case is that Nicolás González will be introduced as a left-back.

What tests have been conducted to define Argentina's formation?

Another of Scaloni's tests was to assemble a midfield with Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernández, and Alexis Mac Allister. A variant in the case of the coach leaning towards a 4-4-2 is that Exequiel Palacios and Giuliano Simeone will appear. The absence in that sketch is that of Rodrigo De Paul, who could leave to give Otamendi a place in the three-defender line with the two left-backs (3-5-2).

What is known about Argentina's forward line?

The forward line is clear with the star Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez, who has scored a goal in extra time against Switzerland in the quarterfinals. The goalkeeper? There is no doubt that it will be Emiliano Dibu Martínez.

What comes next for Argentina?

Argentina will have its last training session on Tuesday, July 14, before the match against England in the World Cup semifinals with the arbitration of Ismail Elfath. Around 12:30 (Argentina time), three players will attend the press conference in the mixed zone, and then there will be 15 minutes of open practice for the media. In the afternoon, Lionel Scaloni will star in the official press conference, according to the AFA.

The Albiceleste, the defending champion from Qatar 2022, arrives at the semifinals after winning the six previous matches. Three in the group stage (3-0 against Algeria, 2-0 against Austria, and 3-1 against Jordan) and the rest in the direct elimination duels (3-2 against Cape Verde, 3-2 against Egypt, and 3-1 against Switzerland). The detail is that in the 16th and quarterfinals, the classification was obtained in the extension, while in the eighth round, the match was decided in the stoppage time with Enzo Fernández's header and after losing 2-0 to the Pharaohs.

Argentina's last victory was on November 14, 2025, when they defeated Angola 2-0. Recently, the national team has maintained a streak of three consecutive victories. Next week, Argentina will face England in the World Cup 2026 semifinals.