Argentina Stun England With Late Fightback to Reach FIFA World Cup Final, Set Up Spain Clash
Defending champions Argentina booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final after producing a dramatic late comeback to defeat England 2-1 in the semifinal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Lionel Scaloni's side appeared headed for defeat after England took the lead through Anthony Gordon in the second half. However, Argentina turned the match around in the closing minutes as Enzo Fernandez scored a stunning equaliser before substitute Lautaro Martinez netted the winner in stoppage time from a pinpoint Lionel Messi cross.
Lionel Scaloni's side appeared headed for defeat after England took the lead through Anthony Gordon in the second half. However, Argentina turned the match around in the closing minutes as Enzo Fernandez scored a stunning equaliser before substitute Lautaro Martinez netted the winner in stoppage time from a pinpoint Lionel Messi cross.
The victory sends Argentina into their second consecutive FIFA World Cup final, where they will face Spain on Sunday in a blockbuster title clash.
England Take Control After the Break
The opening 45 minutes were evenly contested, with Argentina dominating possession but struggling to create clear-cut opportunities against England's disciplined defence.
England finally broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when Morgan Rogers delivered a dangerous cross from the right. Anthony Gordon timed his run perfectly and slotted the ball past goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from close range to give the Three Lions a crucial advantage.
Argentina Mount Late Comeback
After falling behind, Argentina increased the tempo and pinned England inside their own half.
Alexis Mac Allister came close to equalising when his powerful header struck the inside of the post, while England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford produced a series of outstanding saves to deny the South Americans.
Alexis Mac Allister came close to equalising when his powerful header struck the inside of the post, while England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford produced a series of outstanding saves to deny the South Americans.
Despite England manager Thomas Tuchel introducing defensive reinforcements, Argentina continued to dominate possession and attack relentlessly.
Their persistence paid off in the 85th minute when Enzo Fernandez collected a pass from Lionel Messi before curling a superb long-range strike into the bottom corner to make it 1-1.
Their persistence paid off in the 85th minute when Enzo Fernandez collected a pass from Lionel Messi before curling a superb long-range strike into the bottom corner to make it 1-1.
Lautaro Martinez Scores Stoppage-Time Winner
With extra time just moments away, Argentina delivered the decisive blow.
In the second minute of stoppage time, Lionel Messi floated a precise cross into the penalty area, where Lautaro Martinez rose above the England defenders to head home the winning goal and complete an incredible comeback.
In the second minute of stoppage time, Lionel Messi floated a precise cross into the penalty area, where Lautaro Martinez rose above the England defenders to head home the winning goal and complete an incredible comeback.
Argentina Dominate the Numbers
Argentina were the superior side statistically, registering 15 shots compared to England's five. Lionel Scaloni's men also recorded an expected goals (xG) figure of 1.84, while England managed just 0.53.
Argentina vs Spain in FIFA World Cup 2026 Final
The win sets up a mouth-watering Argentina vs Spain FIFA World Cup 2026 final, with the reigning champions aiming to defend the trophy they lifted in Qatar in 2022.
The title clash is also expected to feature one of football's biggest storylines, as Lionel Messi prepares to face Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal on the sport's biggest stage.
The title clash is also expected to feature one of football's biggest storylines, as Lionel Messi prepares to face Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal on the sport's biggest stage.
Meanwhile, England's wait for a first FIFA World Cup title since 1966 continues. Thomas Tuchel's side will now take on France in the third-place playoff on Saturday.
