Argentina produced a dramatic late comeback to defeat England 2–1 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final in Atlanta, securing a place in the final against Spain.
England appeared to be heading towards their first World Cup final since 1966 after Anthony Gordon opened the scoring early in the second half. However, Argentina refused to surrender. Enzo Fernández equalised during the closing stages before substitute Lautaro Martínez scored the winner in stoppage time.
The result kept Argentina’s hopes of defending their world title alive, while England were left to reflect on another painful defeat in the latter stages of a major tournament.
A Cautious and Physical Opening
The match began with both teams showing respect for the quality of their opponents. England manager Thomas Tuchel selected a side designed to compete physically while also limiting the influence of Lionel Messi.
Reece James, John Stones, Marc Guéhi and Djed Spence formed England’s defensive line, with Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson and Jude Bellingham providing energy in midfield. Gordon and Morgan Rogers supported captain Harry Kane in attack.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni relied on the experience of Messi, Julián Álvarez, Alexis Mac Allister, Fernández and Leandro Paredes. The defending champions attempted to control possession, but England remained organised and disciplined.
The opening half was intense, with several strong challenges and regular stoppages. Argentina committed 12 of the 19 fouls recorded during the first half as both teams fought for control of the midfield. England’s coaching staff became increasingly frustrated with the physical nature of the contest.
Neither side created many clear opportunities before the interval, although England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford remained alert whenever Argentina moved into dangerous positions.
Gordon Gives England the Lead
England made the breakthrough in the 55th minute through Gordon. The forward finished a promising attacking move to give the Three Lions a 1–0 advantage and send their supporters into celebration.
The goal placed England within touching distance of the World Cup final. Tuchel’s side began dropping deeper as Argentina increased the pressure and searched for an equaliser.
England’s defensive shape initially frustrated the South American champions. Stones and Guéhi competed strongly inside the penalty area, while Pickford produced important saves to protect the lead.
However, England offered very little attacking threat after going ahead. Kane became isolated, while Bellingham and the other midfielders spent increasing amounts of time defending close to their own box.
Tuchel eventually switched to a more defensive formation, adding another player to the back line. The decision allowed Argentina to dominate possession and repeatedly attack England’s penalty area.
Fernández Starts the Comeback
Argentina’s pressure finally produced an equaliser in the 85th minute. A cleverly worked short corner involving Messi created space for Fernández, who found the net to make it 1–1.
The goal completely changed the mood inside the stadium. Argentina suddenly looked energised, while England appeared nervous and struggled to regain control of the match.
Rather than settling for extra time, Scaloni’s team continued pushing forward. Messi began finding more space around England’s penalty area, and Martínez provided a dangerous presence after coming off the bench.
Martínez Delivers the Final Blow
Argentina completed the comeback during stoppage time. Messi delivered a dangerous ball into the area and Martínez rose to head it beyond Pickford, making the score 2–1.
The goal sparked wild celebrations among Argentina’s players and supporters. Martínez later revealed that he had told Mac Allister before entering the field that he would score and help Argentina win the match.
England had little time to respond. At the final whistle, Messi fell to his knees in celebration as several England players collapsed to the ground in disbelief.
Argentina March On to the Final
Argentina will now face Spain in the World Cup final, where they will attempt to become the first country since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the trophy.
For England, the defeat will be especially difficult to accept. They were leading with only a few minutes remaining but allowed Argentina to take complete control during the closing stages.
England must now prepare for the third-place playoff against France. Argentina, meanwhile, remain one victory away from another world title after demonstrating the resilience, experience and belief of true champions.