Reigning champions Argentina produced a remarkable late comeback to defeat England 2-1 in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing a place in Sunday’s final against Spain after a thrilling contest in Atlanta.
England looked on course for a famous victory after Anthony Gordon broke the deadlock in the 55th minute. The winger finished a well-worked move involving Declan Rice and Morgan Rogers, handing the Three Lions a deserved lead after an evenly contested first half.
However, Argentina mounted a stunning late response as their experience and composure proved decisive. Midfielder Enzo Fernández restored parity in the 85th minute with a powerful strike from the edge of the penalty area after being set up by Lionel Messi. Deep into stoppage time, substitute Lautaro Martínez headed home the winner from another pinpoint Messi delivery, completing a dramatic turnaround and sending the defending champions into another World Cup final.
Messi, playing what could be his final FIFA World Cup, delivered two crucial assists despite not finding the scoresheet himself. The 39-year-old captain once again proved instrumental as Argentina kept alive their bid to retain the title they won in Qatar in 2022.
The victory extends Argentina’s impressive tournament run and sets up a blockbuster final against Spain, who defeated France 2-0 in the other semi-final to reach the championship match. Meanwhile, England’s hopes of reaching their first World Cup final since 1966 came to a heartbreaking end despite an impressive campaign.
Argentina will now aim to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title, while England will shift their focus to the third-place playoff against France. Sunday’s final between Argentina and Spain promises to be one of the most eagerly anticipated matches of the tournament.
