Defending champions Argentina booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after staging a dramatic late comeback to defeat England 2-1 in Wednesday’s semi-final in Atlanta.
England appeared on course for a famous victory after Anthony Gordon broke the deadlock in the second half, giving Thomas Tuchel’s side the lead and raising hopes of the country’s first World Cup final appearance since 1966.
However, Lionel Scaloni’s men responded in stunning fashion during the closing stages of the match.
Midfielder Enzo Fernández levelled the score in the 85th minute with a powerful strike after sustained Argentine pressure. Deep into stoppage time, captain Lionel Messi produced another moment of brilliance, delivering a pinpoint cross for substitute Lautaro Martínez, who headed home the winner to send Argentina into a second consecutive World Cup final.
The victory keeps Argentina on course to successfully defend the title they won in Qatar in 2022 and sets up a blockbuster final against Spain on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Spain secured their place in the final after defeating France 2-0 in the other semi-final.
Messi, playing in what is expected to be his final World Cup, once again proved decisive. The 39-year-old orchestrated Argentina’s comeback with his creativity and leadership, providing the assist for Martínez’s decisive goal. He also remains among the tournament’s leading performers with eight goals and four assists.
The semi-final was another chapter in one of football’s fiercest rivalries, with Argentina and England meeting at the World Cup for the first time since 1986. The contest was fiercely contested, featuring physical challenges and intense battles across the pitch before Argentina’s experience and composure ultimately proved decisive.
For England, the defeat ends another promising World Cup campaign in heartbreak. Tuchel’s side will now face France in the third-place playoff on Saturday, while Argentina prepare for a showdown with Spain as they bid to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to retain the FIFA World Cup title.
