Defending champions Argentina produced a dramatic late comeback to defeat England 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final at Atlanta Stadium yesterday, booking their place in Sunday’s final against Spain.
England appeared on course for their first World Cup final since 1966 after Anthony Gordon gave Thomas Tuchel’s side the lead early in the second half. However, Argentina responded with two late goals from Enzo Fernández and substitute Lautaro Martínez, both created by Lionel Messi, to overturn the deficit in the closing stages.
The match began cautiously, with both teams struggling to create clear opportunities in a tightly contested opening half. England came closest in the 33rd minute when John Stones headed narrowly wide from a Declan Rice free-kick, while Fernández fired over the crossbar at the other end.
Argentina threatened immediately after the restart when Julián Álvarez broke through on goal, only to be denied by Jordan Pickford. England struck moments later in the 55th minute as Morgan Rogers delivered a low cross from the right and Gordon arrived at the far post to guide a composed finish beyond Emiliano Martínez.
The Three Lions looked well placed to protect their advantage, but Argentina gradually took control as England retreated deeper into their own half. Pickford produced an excellent save to deny substitute Nico González, while Alexis Mac Allister struck the post as pressure mounted.
Argentina’s persistence was rewarded in the 85th minute. Following a short-corner routine, Messi found Fernández outside the penalty area, and the midfielder unleashed a powerful strike that beat Pickford to level the score.
With extra time looming, Argentina completed the turnaround in stoppage time. Mac Allister’s effort rebounded off the post before Messi recovered possession and delivered a precise cross to the far post, where substitute Lautaro Martínez finished clinically to seal a memorable victory.
The result sends Argentina into a record-extending seventh World Cup final, where Lionel Scaloni’s side will face Spain as they seek to retain the title they won four years ago.
Messi, who was named Player of the Match, delivered another influential performance by providing both assists. At 39 years and 21 days old, he also became the oldest outfield player to appear in a FIFA World Cup semi-final.
For England, the defeat extended their wait for a first World Cup final appearance in six decades despite another impressive tournament campaign. Harry Kane, making his 121st international appearance, became England’s most-capped outfield player.
Following the match, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised his players’ resilience, describing the team’s achievement as “incredible” and crediting their determination for another remarkable comeback.
Goalscorer Lautaro Martínez said he had predicted he would score after coming off the bench, adding that Argentina’s patience and control of possession proved decisive once England began to tire.
England manager Thomas Tuchel admitted his side became increasingly passive after taking the lead and struggled to regain possession as Argentina dominated the closing stages. Captain Harry Kane echoed that assessment, expressing disappointment that England failed to maintain their intensity after going ahead.
Argentina will now face Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on Sunday, while England’s campaign ends in the semi-finals once again after another heartbreaking defeat on football’s biggest stage.
(Inputs from FIFA)
