Argentina Beat England 2-1 to Reach World Cup Final

Argentina produced a dramatic late comeback to defeat England 2-1 on Wednesday, booking a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Spain and keeping alive their dream of retaining the trophy.

Lautaro Martínez scored a stoppage-time winner after Lionel Messi inspired the reigning champions to overturn England’s lead in front of 68,239 spectators at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

England looked destined for their first World Cup final since lifting the trophy in 1966 after Anthony Gordon gave the Three Lions the lead 10 minutes into the second half.

However, Argentina responded with relentless pressure and found an equaliser in the 85th minute when Enzo Fernández converted after being set up by Messi.

With extra time looming, Messi delivered a pinpoint cross into the penalty area and substitute Lautaro Martínez rose highest to head home the winning goal in the second minute of stoppage time.

The victory means Argentina remain on course to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup title.

It also sends Messi into his third World Cup final, making him only the second player after Brazilian legend Cafu to achieve the feat.

Argentina will face European champions Spain in Sunday’s final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, setting up a showdown between the reigning champions of South America and Europe.

For England, the defeat was a bitter blow after an impressive tournament under manager Thomas Tuchel. The Three Lions will now face France in Saturday’s third-place playoff.

The semi-final lived up to the long-standing rivalry between the two nations, with both teams battling fiercely throughout the opening half, which ended goalless.

England broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when Morgan Rogers delivered a low cross that Gordon converted at the back post after getting ahead of Nahuel Molina.

Argentina gradually took control of the game as Jordan Pickford denied Nicolás González with a superb save before Alexis Mac Allister struck the post.

Fernández eventually levelled matters with a powerful finish before Martínez completed the turnaround in dramatic fashion from Messi’s cross, sparking wild celebrations among Argentine players and supporters.

The victory keeps Argentina’s title defence alive while ending England’s hopes of reaching a first World Cup final in six decades.