FIFA World Cup 2026-Argentina 2–1 England: Late Argentine comeback books place in the final

 


Reigning champions Argentina produced a stunning late turnaround to defeat England 2-1 in a gripping FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, booking their place in the final against Spain. England looked destined to reach their first World Cup final since 1966 after taking the lead in the second half through Anthony Gordon, but Lionel Messi inspired another remarkable comeback as Enzo Fernández equalised five minutes from time before substitute Lautaro Martínez headed home the dramatic winner in stoppage time. 


The opening half was a tense tactical battle befitting one of football's greatest rivalries. England defended with discipline and largely succeeded in limiting Lionel Messi's influence, with Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham working tirelessly in midfield. Argentina enjoyed more possession, but Thomas Tuchel's side remained compact and dangerous on the counterattack. Harry Kane tested Emiliano Martínez with a powerful effort, while at the other end Julián Álvarez came closest for Argentina, only to be denied by an excellent save from Jordan Pickford. Physical challenges flew in throughout the first 45 minutes, but neither goalkeeper was beaten as the teams went into the break locked at 0-0. 


England struck first ten minutes into the second half. In the 55th minute, Jude Bellingham launched a swift counterattack before releasing Anthony Gordon on the left. Gordon drove into the penalty area and calmly fired a low right-footed shot beyond Emiliano Martínez into the far corner, sending the England supporters into celebration and giving the Three Lions a priceless 1-0 lead. 


The goal prompted Argentina to increase the intensity of their attacks. Lionel Scaloni's side dominated possession as England gradually retreated into a defensive shape, looking to protect their advantage. Messi began drifting into wider areas to find space and orchestrate attacks, repeatedly testing England's back line with incisive passes and clever movement. Argentina struck the woodwork and forced Pickford into several crucial saves as the pressure mounted. 


Argentina's persistence finally paid off in the 85th minute. Messi collected possession on the right flank and slipped a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Enzo Fernández, who unleashed a powerful first-time strike from the edge of the penalty area. The ball flew beyond Pickford into the bottom corner to level the scores at 1-1 and ignite wild celebrations among the Argentine fans. 


With momentum completely in Argentina's favour, the defending champions continued to press for a winner. Their decisive moment arrived in the 92nd minute. Messi once again produced a moment of brilliance, curling a precise cross into the six-yard box where substitute Lautaro Martínez rose above the defence to head home from close range. The dramatic goal completed Argentina's comeback and broke English hearts, sealing a memorable 2-1 victory. 


England threw everyone forward in the closing moments, but Argentina defended resolutely to preserve their advantage. At the final whistle, Lionel Scaloni's players celebrated reaching a second consecutive World Cup final, while England were left to reflect on another agonising semi-final defeat despite an outstanding tournament. Argentina will now face Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, while England will meet France in the third-place play-off. 


Goals

55' Anthony Gordon (England) – Finished calmly after being played through by Jude Bellingham on a swift counterattack. 


85' Enzo Fernández (Argentina) – Fired home a powerful strike from the edge of the area after a superb assist from Lionel Messi. 


90+2' Lautaro Martínez (Argentina) – Headed in Messi's pinpoint cross from close range to complete Argentina's comeback. 


Player of the Match

Lionel Messi (Argentina) – Although he did not score, the captain produced two decisive assists in the closing stages, masterminding Argentina's remarkable comeback and leading his side into another World Cup final. 


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