BREAKING: Sensation in Argentina's starting lineup!
Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
Lionel Scaloni saved his biggest personnel surprise for the most crucial match of the tournament.
Details: Argentina has officially announced its starting XI for the 2026 World Cup semi-final against England. The main shock is the inclusion of Giuliano Simeone: the 23-year-old will make his first start in the knockout stage of this tournament.
- Also read: England vs Argentina: battle for a place in the 2026 World Cup final. Prediction – July 15, 2026.
Argentina's starting lineup: Emiliano Martínez — Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico — Giuliano Simeone, Enzo Fernández, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister — Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez.
Simeone will most likely be deployed on the left flank of the attack, while Rodrigo De Paul is set to start the match on the bench. Previously, the Atlético player was considered one of the main candidates to replace the experienced midfielder.
This means Scaloni has handed Simeone his first-ever start in the knockout rounds—and right away, it's in a high-stakes semi-final clash against England.
Reminder: BREAKING: Argentina's leader to surprisingly start on the bench against England!
