Argentina beat England 2-1 on 15 July 2026. The semi-final match took place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The defending champions scored twice in the final ten minutes of the match to secure their place in the finals. Now, the defending champions will meet Spain in the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium. The game will be played on July 19 in New Jersey.
Anthony Gordon gave England the lead in the 55th minute. However, Enzo Fernández equalised for Argentina in the 85th minute before substitute Lautaro Martínez headed home the winning goal in the second minute of stoppage time. Lionel Messi provided the assists for both Argentine goals, helping his nation reach its seventh World Cup final.
Argentina Overcomes England in Atlanta Thriller
The semi-final match between these two long-time rivals began with high tension and heavy physical play. During the first half, neither side managed a single shot on target as the teams committed 19 combined fouls. Argentina dominated the ball, yet England’s defensive shape prevented the South Americans from creating clear scoring chances.
England finally opened the scoring early in the second half. Morgan Rogers sent in a low cross from the right, which allowed Anthony Gordon to race the ball past Emiliano Martínez. This goal was Gordon’s first career World Cup goal. England then seemed set for their first World Cup final since 1966.
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Messi Inspires Dramatic Late Rally
Argentina responded to the deficit by launching a relentless series of attacks. While England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made several world-class saves, Argentina’s pressure eventually broke the English defence. In the 85th minute, Lionel Messi found Enzo Fernández on the edge of the penalty area. Fernández fired a powerful shot into the corner of the net to level the score at 1-1.
The comeback became complete in the 92nd minute. Messi delivered a cross to the far post. Substitute Lautaro Martinez headed the ball home to seal the 2-1 victory. The 39-year-old Messi extended his record for most goal contributions in World Cup history with the two assists.
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Tactical Decisions Impact England’s Performance
England manager Thomas Tuchel faced criticism for his tactical choices. After Gordon’s goal, Tuchel subbed in three defenders. England switched to a 5-3-2 formation and went back to a defensive style.
Data shows that England held only 12% of the possession from the moment Gordon scored until the winning goal by Martínez. Captain Harry Kane admitted that the team tried to hold on rather than continuing to attack. Tuchel defended his decisions, stating that the gaps in the midfield had become too large and he needed to strengthen the air defence against Argentina’s crosses.
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Argentina Prepare for Spain Showdown
Argentina now turns its attention to the final against Spain on Sunday, July 19 at MetLife Stadium. The current South American champions will face off against the current European champions in this match. It’s also the first time since 1992 that the top two teams in the FIFA World Rankings will meet in the World Cup final.
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If Argentina wins on Sunday, they will be only the third nation to win back-to-back World Cup titles, following Italy and Brazil. For Lionel Messi, the final is his last chance to lift the trophy before his expected retirement from international football.
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