2026 FIFA World Cup Semi-final
England 1-2 Argentina
Atlanta, USA: Defending champions Argentina produced a dramatic late comeback to defeat England 2-1 on Wednesday and book their place in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will face Spain in a repeat bid to retain the trophy.
Lionel Scaloni’s side scored twice in the closing minutes at Atlanta Stadium, overturning a second-half deficit to end England’s hopes of winning their first World Cup title since 1966.
England appeared to be on course for the final after Anthony Gordon broke the deadlock early in the second half, calmly finishing from a cross delivered by Morgan Rogers.
The Three Lions looked comfortable for long spells, but Argentina gradually took control of possession and mounted relentless pressure in search of an equaliser.
Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford kept England ahead with several crucial saves before Argentina finally broke through in the 85th minute.
After a neat layoff from Lionel Messi, midfielder Enzo Fernández unleashed a powerful long-range strike that beat Pickford to level the contest.
With extra time looming, Argentina completed the turnaround in stoppage time.
Messi delivered a perfectly weighted cross into the penalty area, where substitute Lautaro Martínez rose highest to head home the winning goal in the 92nd minute, sparking jubilant celebrations among Argentine supporters.
England manager Thomas Tuchel introduced defensive substitutions in an effort to preserve his side’s lead, but Argentina’s sustained pressure and experience ultimately proved decisive.
The victory sends Argentina into a second consecutive FIFA World Cup final after lifting the trophy in Qatar in 2022.
Scaloni’s men will now face Spain at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday, July 19, with the chance to become the first nation since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title.
The semi-final also marked the latest chapter in one of international football’s fiercest rivalries, with Argentina and England meeting in a World Cup knockout fixture for the first time since the 1998 tournament in France.
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