ATLANTA, USA- Defending champions Argentina produced a dramatic late comeback to defeat England 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup semi-final on Wednesday night, booking a place in the 2026 final against Spain and crushing the Three Lions’ dream of ending their 60-year wait for a second world title.
Thomas Tuchel’s side looked on course for a famous victory after Anthony Gordon broke the deadlock early in the second half, handing England a deserved lead following a disciplined performance against the reigning world champions.
However, Argentina once again demonstrated the resilience that has defined their title defence.
With just five minutes of normal time remaining, Enzo Fernández restored parity, capitalising on sustained Argentine pressure to level the scores and silence the England supporters inside Atlanta Stadium.
As England struggled to recover from the late setback, Argentina delivered the decisive blow deep into stoppage time.
Substitute Lautaro Martínez fired home the winner after being set up by captain Lionel Messi, completing a remarkable turnaround and sending La Albiceleste into a second consecutive FIFA World Cup final.
Messi once again proved decisive on football’s biggest stage.
The 39-year-old notched another assist to add to his outstanding tournament, where he now leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals while continuing to inspire Argentina’s bid to successfully defend the trophy.
England, seeking their first World Cup final since lifting the trophy on home soil in 1966, were left heartbroken after coming within minutes of victory before conceding twice late in the game.
The semi-final was played at a frantic pace, with both sides creating chances in a fiercely contested encounter that also reflected the historic rivalry between the two footballing nations.
Argentina will now face Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final after La Roja eliminated France 2-0 in the other semi-final.
England, meanwhile, will meet France in the third-place playoff as they seek to finish the tournament on a positive note.