Defending champions Argentina came from behind in the closing stages to beat England 2-1 in Atlanta, booking their place in Sunday’s FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Spain in New York New Jersey.
The semi-final started cagily, with both sides struggling to create clear chances through the opening half hour. England’s John Stones headed narrowly wide from a Declan Rice free-kick in the 33rd minute, while Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez tested Jordan Pickford with a powerful effort from distance.
Julian Alvarez forced a smart save from Pickford early in the second half, but it was England who broke the deadlock. In the 55th minute, Morgan Rogers supplied a low cross from the right that Anthony Gordon finished confidently past Emiliano Martinez to put England ahead.
Argentina pushed hard for an equalizer as the game wore on, with Djed Spence making a crucial goal-saving tackle to deny Giuliano Simeone, and Pickford denying a header from substitute Nico Gonzalez. Alexis Mac Allister also struck the post as the pressure built.
The breakthrough eventually came in the 85th minute, when a short-corner routine ended with Lionel Messi squaring the ball to Fernandez, who curled a fine finish beyond Pickford to level the score.
Argentina completed the turnaround deep into stoppage time. After Mac Allister hit the post again, Messi collected the loose ball and picked out substitute Lautaro Martinez with a cross, which the striker converted at the far post to make it 2-1 in the second minute of added time.
Argentina Reach Seventh World Cup Final
The win sends Lionel Scaloni’s side into their seventh World Cup final, where they will face Spain — winners over France in the other semi-final — as Argentina bid to defend the title they won in 2022.
Key Stats From the Semi-Final
- Lionel Messi, at 39 years and 21 days old, became the oldest outfield player to appear in a World Cup semi-final, surpassing the previous record held jointly by Fritz Walter and Gunnar Gren, who were 37 years and 236 days old when they faced each other in 1958.
- Harry Kane made his 121st appearance for England during the match, making him the country’s most-capped outfield player.
- Lautaro Martinez has now scored as a substitute in back-to-back knockout rounds, netting in both the quarter-final and semi-final after coming off the bench.
- The match featured seven players aged 32 or older among the 22 starters — the most in any World Cup semi-final on record, surpassing the previous high of six set when France played Portugal in 2006.
- Lionel Messi was named Michelob Ultra Player of the Match.
What They Said
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised his players’ resilience after the match, saying the team continues to defy expectations and credited their spirit for the comeback win.
Matchwinner Lautaro Martinez said he had a premonition about scoring and told teammates on the bench beforehand that he would make an impact after coming on.
England coach Thomas Tuchel said his side became too passive after taking the lead and struggled to deal with a barrage of Argentine crosses in the closing stages, adding that the switch to a back five was aimed at closing gaps defensively.
England captain Harry Kane said the squad was devastated to fall short again at the semi-final stage despite a strong performance for large parts of the game, and said the team needs to find the “missing piece” to go further in future tournaments.
What do you feel about this post?
Like
Love
Happy
Haha
Sad
