Atlanta: Defending champions Argentina produced a remarkable late comeback to beat England 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal on Wednesday, booking a place in Sunday’s title clash against Spain.
England appeared destined for a first World Cup final since 1966 after Anthony Gordon gave the Three Lions the lead in the 55th minute. But Argentina struck twice in the closing stages through Enzo Fernandez and substitute Lautaro Martinez, with Lionel Messi providing assists for both goals to complete a dramatic turnaround.
The victory sends Lionel Scaloni’s side into its seventh World Cup final and keeps alive its bid to successfully defend the title won in Qatar four years ago.
The semifinal began cautiously, with both teams cancelling each other out for much of the opening half. England came closest when John Stones headed wide from a Declan Rice free kick, while Fernandez fired over the crossbar at the other end.
Argentina threatened immediately after the restart as Julian Alvarez forced Jordan Pickford into a sharp save. However, it was England that broke the deadlock moments later. Morgan Rogers delivered a low cross from the right, and Gordon arrived unmarked at the far post to guide the ball beyond Emiliano Martinez.
Argentina gradually took control as England retreated deeper into its own half. Nico Gonzalez nearly equalized with a header that Pickford pushed away, while Alexis Mac Allister struck the post as pressure mounted on the English defense.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 85th minute. Following a short-corner routine, Messi found Fernandez outside the penalty area, and the midfielder unleashed a powerful strike that beat Pickford to level the score.
Argentina completed the comeback deep into stoppage time after Mac Allister’s effort rebounded off the post. Messi reacted quickest to recycle possession before delivering a pinpoint cross that substitute Lautaro Martinez converted from close range to seal a memorable victory.
Messi also added another milestone to his illustrious career, becoming the oldest outfield player to feature in a World Cup semifinal at 39 years and 21 days. England captain Harry Kane, meanwhile, made his 121st international appearance, the most by any outfield player in the nation’s history.
Following the match, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised his team’s resilience.
“This group never stops surprising me. We’re going to give everything to try and win the final. What these players continue to achieve is incredible.”
Matchwinner Lautaro Martinez revealed he had predicted his decisive contribution before stepping onto the pitch.
“I told Alexis Mac Allister I was going to score. England pressed hard for an hour, but once they tired, we found more space and took our chances. This team keeps proving what it’s made of.”
England manager Thomas Tuchel admitted his side lost control after taking the lead.
“We became too passive after scoring. We couldn’t keep possession, conceded too many chances and allowed Argentina to build constant pressure.”
Captain Harry Kane echoed that disappointment, saying England failed to maintain its intensity after going ahead.
“We played well for large parts of the game, but after going 1-0 up we tried to hold on. At this level, that’s not enough. We were so close, but we just couldn’t find that final piece.”
Argentina will now face Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on Sunday, while England’s wait for a first World Cup final appearance in six decades continues.
