How to watch Argentina vs Croatia World Cup semi-final live stream for free online
Lionel Messi's Argentina are looking to book their place in the World Cup final
The Argentina vs Croatia live stream takes place today (Tuesday, Dec. 13).
► Time 7 p.m. GMT / 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT / 6 a.m. AEDT (Dec. 11)
• U.S. — Watch on FOX via Sling
• U.K. — Watch on ITV and ITV Hub
• Watch anywhere — try ExpressVPN 100% risk free
Argentina are just one game away from the World Cup final. But before Lionel Messi can start dreaming about lifting the famous trophy, Argentina will need to overcome Croatia which will be no easy task.
Croatia eliminated pre-tournament favorites Brazil in the quarter-finals and will feel confident of their ability to dispose of another giant of international football. But Argentina will surely have the support of many neutral viewers as Messi winning the World Cup really would be the perfect cap on a truly remarkable career. Anything can happen in soccer, but this tie looks destined to be extremely closely fought, don’t be surprised if it's resolved on penalties.
You’ll need to watch an Argentina vs Croatia live stream to find out how this one plays outs. And the good news is that it’s easy to find one as the match is being broadcast in both the U.S. and U.K., and we’ll show you how to watch from anywhere in the world down below.
Plus, make sure you don’t miss a moment of the World Cup by checking out our full how to watch World Cup 2022 live streams hub.
How to watch Argentina vs Croatia anywhere
The Argentina vs Croatia live stream will be shown on many different channels across the world. But what if you're not in your home country and want to watch it on your usual service?
The answer is to use a VPN, or virtual private network. A VPN will let you tune into your home coverage from wherever you are — meaning that if you're abroad, you can use one of the best VPN services to watch the games live as if you were in your lounge.
Our favorite right now is ExpressVPN, thanks to its combination of superb speed, great customer service and excellent device support. It also offers a no-questions-asked 30-day money-back guarantee, so you could check it out without having to sign up long-term.
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Speed, security and simplicity combine to make ExpressVPN our favorite VPN service. In our testing, we were impressed by its fast connection times and by its ability to access more than 3,000 services in 160 locations across 94 countries. A 30-day money-back guarantee is another bonus.
Using a VPN is incredibly simple.
1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, ExpressVPN is our favorite.
2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance if you're in the U.K. and want to view a U.S. service, you'd select U.S. from the list.
3. Sit back and enjoy the action. Head to Sling or another service and watch the game.
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Argentina vs Croatia live streams by country
How to watch the Argentina vs Croatia live stream in the US
Soccer fans in the U.S. can watch the Argentina vs Croatia live stream on FOX and the FOX website with a valid login, if your local FOX affiliate is showing the match. FOX is included with all cable packages or with one of our best TV antenna picks.
Another option would be Sling TV: the Sling Blue package costs just $40 per month and comes with more than 30 channels including FOX (provided you're in an area with a local Fox affiliate). Best of all, right now Sling is offering half off the first month, allowing you to watch the entire World Cup for just $20.
Or you could go for Fubo.TV. Its Pro Plan costs $70 per month but gives you 121 channels, including FOX (provided you have a local affiliate), plus lots more for sports fans to enjoy.
Spanish language coverage is available via Telemundo or Peacock. The first 12 games will be available to watch on a free account, but if you want to watch the full tournament you'll need a Peacock Premium subscription ($9.99/month).
If you already use those services but aren't in the U.S. right now, you can watch the Argentina vs Croatia live stream by using a VPN such as ExpressVPN.
How to watch the Argentina vs Croatia live stream in Canada
Canadians can watch the Argentina vs Croatia live stream on TSN, the home of World Cup 2022 in Canada.
If you've cut the cord, you can sign up for TSN Direct for $19.99 per month or you can take an annual pass which works out at $16.66 per month. Plus, the service is open to all: you don't need to have TSN as part of an existing TV package.
If you live in Canada and already subscribe to TSN, but aren't at home right now, you can still watch a Argentina vs Croatia live stream by using a quality VPN like ExpressVPN.
How to watch the Argentina vs Croatia live stream in the UK
In the U.K., the Argentina vs Croatia live stream will be available to watch for free on ITV, or you can stream online via ITV Hub. You will need a valid U.K. TV license in order to watch the game on TV or via online streaming.
If you're not currently in the U.K. and have a valid TV license, you can still watch a Argentina vs Croatia live stream by using one of the best VPN services, such as ExpressVPN.
How to watch the Argentina vs Croatia live stream in Australia
Aussie soccer fans can watch the World Cup 2022 for free on SBS, including the Argentina vs Croatia live stream. The free-to-air network is available on traditional TV or online by using SBS On-Demand.
Not in Australia right now? You can simply use a VPN to watch all the action on SBS as if you were back home. ExpressVPN is out top pick of the options out there.
How to watch the Argentina vs Croatia live stream in New Zealand
Kiwis can access the Argentina vs Croatia live stream via Sky Sport. This costs $60.98 NZD per month, or you could go for the Sky Sport Now service, which gives you just the Sport channels but for a reduced cost of $19.99/week, $39.99/month or $399/year.
Not at home in New Zealand right now? You can still follow every game of the World Cup 2022 by using one of the best VPN services, such as ExpressVPN.
Argentina vs Croatia preview
Argentina’s run to the World Cup semi-final hasn’t been the most convincing. After an opening-game loss to Saudi Arabia, La Albiceleste topped Group C thanks to wins over Mexico and Poland but victory over Australia in the round of 16 was nervier than it needed to be. Similarly, Argentina’s quarter-final win over the Netherlands came on penalties after the side threw away a two-goal lead and conceded a last-gasp equalizer which forced the game into extra time.
Perhaps Argentina’s advancement through the tournament hasn’t been particularly smooth but they have arrived in the semi-final all the same. Losing finalists in 2014, Argentina are desperate to go a step further this year and win the nation’s first World Cup since 1986. And a win would be a near-perfect cap on the international career of Lionel Messi. Arguably the greatest player to ever play the beautiful game, the World Cup is the one trophy that has always eluded Messi and many neutral viewers would love to see the little magician add the accolade to his vast collection of professional honors.
However, this semi-final match against Croatia will be anything but a formality. Croatia reached the World Cup final in 2018 and could be set to repeat that achievement in consecutive tournaments. After finishing second in Group F behind Morocco, Croatia have overcome Japan and Brazil on penalties. The side definitely lacks raw firepower but has one of the best midfields in the world anchored by the imperious Luka Modrić.
This is expected to be a close game that could go the distance. Both these teams advanced to this stage via a penalty shootout, and it would not be a surprise to see the winner of this game also being determined via spot-kicks. This could be Messi’s swansong at the World Cup, so you definitely won’t want to miss an Argentina vs Croatia live stream.
Argentina vs Croatia team news
Argentina are without Gonzalo Montiel and Marcos Acuña who are both suspended after picking up too many booking. But Rodrigo De Paul is once again fit to start after some injury issues at the tournament, meanwhile Ángel Di María has also struggled for fitness and must settles for a place on the bench. There are two changes from the side that overcame the Netherlands: Lisandro Martinez and Acuña are replaced by Leandro Paredes and Nicolás Tagliafico. Unsurprisingly, Lionel Messi captains the side.
Croatia have been one of the most fortunate sides at the World Cup 2022 and have experienced minimal injury problems to date. That remains true going into the semi-finals, and it's little surprise to see an unchanged starting XI named. Luka Modrić, Marcelo Brozović and Mateo Kovačić all start in the midfield, while Tottenham's Ivan Perišić plays in a forward position. Bruno Petković scored in extra time against Brazil but starts on the bench against Argentina.
Here's how they line up:
Argentina: Martinez, Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico, De Paul, Paredes, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Alvarez, Messi.
Croatia: Livakovic, Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa, Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic, Pasalic, Perisic, Kramaric.
Rory is an Entertainment Editor at Tom’s Guide based in the UK. He covers a wide range of topics but with a particular focus on gaming and streaming. When he’s not reviewing the latest games, searching for hidden gems on Netflix, or writing hot takes on new gaming hardware, TV shows and movies, he can be found attending music festivals and getting far too emotionally invested in his favorite football team.