Argentina Rallies Past England to Reach 2026 World Cup Final

By Aurax Desk | July 16, 2026 | 2 min read

Argentina scored twice in the closing minutes to defeat England 2-1 and secure a place in the FIFA World Cup final. The defending champions will face Spain, while England will play France in the third-place match after another semifinal exit.

Argentina overturned a second-half deficit with two late goals to beat England 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup semifinal in Atlanta on Wednesday, earning a place in Sunday's championship match against Spain. After a tightly contested first half, England broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when Anthony Gordon finished a move created by Harry Kane. England protected its advantage for much of the second half before Argentina increased the pressure in the closing stages, with Enzo Fernández equalizing in the 85th minute and substitute Lautaro Martínez heading home the winner in stoppage time from a Lionel Messi assist.

The result sends the defending world champions into another World Cup final as they continue their title defense. Messi again played a central role in Argentina's attack, helping guide his team through a physical encounter between two nations whose football rivalry stretches back decades. England, seeking its first appearance in a World Cup final since winning the tournament in 1966, was left to reflect on another semifinal defeat despite holding the lead with only minutes remaining. The loss means England will now meet France in the third-place playoff, while Argentina and Spain will compete for the 2026 World Cup title in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The latest meeting added another chapter to one of international football's most enduring rivalries, shaped by memorable World Cup contests dating back to 1966 and further intensified by the 1986 quarterfinal in Mexico. The expanded 48-team tournament has delivered the first World Cup hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico, culminating in a final that will feature the reigning champions against the reigning European champions. Argentina will attempt to retain the trophy it won in Qatar in 2022, while Spain will seek its second World Cup title after its triumph in 2010.

Sources: Information compiled from ESPN, The Associated Press, Reuters, NBC News, NPR, BBC Sport and The New York Times' The Athletic.

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