Argentina produced a remarkable late comeback to defeat England 2-1 on Wednesday, scoring twice in the final seven minutes to book its place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final and remain on course to defend the title it won four years ago in Qatar.
England appeared poised for its first World Cup final since 1966 after Anthony Gordon broke the deadlock in the 55th minute at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. But Lionel Scaloni’s side refused to surrender, with Enzo Fernández leveling the score in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martínez struck the winner in second-half stoppage time to complete a stunning turnaround.
The victory sends Argentina into a second consecutive World Cup final, where it will face Spain on Sunday in a showdown between the tournament’s two standout teams.
England’s dream slips away
England controlled large stretches of the match after Gordon’s goal and looked set to end a 60-year wait for another appearance in football’s biggest match. However, Argentina’s relentless pressure paid off late as Fernández capitalized on sustained attacking momentum to equalize.
Just minutes later, Martínez delivered the decisive blow, finishing off another Argentine attack to silence England’s supporters and spark jubilant celebrations among the defending champions.
Captain Lionel Messi, playing in another World Cup semifinal, orchestrated much of Argentina’s attacking play as his team kept its bid to retain the trophy alive.
A rivalry steeped in World Cup history
Wednesday’s semifinal added another memorable chapter to one of international football’s most storied rivalries. Argentina and England have met in several iconic World Cup matches, none more famous than their 1986 quarterfinal in Mexico City.
Argentina won that match 2-1 thanks to Diego Maradona’s controversial “Hand of God” goal and his extraordinary solo effort later dubbed the “Goal of the Century.” Played just four years after the 1982 Falklands War, the encounter carried immense sporting and political significance and became one of the defining matches in World Cup history.
While the historical backdrop differed, the latest meeting once again produced high drama, with Argentina emerging victorious after another unforgettable contest.
Argentina one win from another World Cup title
The defending champions now stand one victory away from lifting football’s most prestigious trophy for a second consecutive tournament. Sunday’s final against Spain promises a clash between two of the competition’s strongest and most consistent sides.
For England, meanwhile, another painful World Cup exit extends decades of frustration, as the search for a first world title since 1966 continues despite another deep run in the tournament.
When is the World Cup Final?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final will be played on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, while the third-place match will take place the previous day.
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