Defending champions Argentina produced a sensational late comeback to defeat England 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, securing a place in the final for the second consecutive tournament. Lionel Messi's side will now face Spain in the title clash, while England will take on France in the third-place playoff.
England looked destined for the final after Anthony Gordon gave them the lead in the 55th minute. However, Argentina turned the match on its head with two goals in the final seven minutes, completing one of the tournament's most dramatic comebacks.
Lionel Messi Orchestrates Argentina's Comeback
Although Lionel Messi did not score, the Argentine captain played a decisive role by providing the attacking spark that led to both goals.
Enzo Fernández equalized in the 85th minute with a spectacular long-range strike after a clever move involving Messi. Then, deep into stoppage time, Lautaro Martínez headed home the winning goal from Messi's pinpoint delivery, sending Argentina into another World Cup final.
Following the final whistle, Messi celebrated passionately with his teammates as Argentina moved within one victory of defending their FIFA World Cup crown.
Fiery Semi-Final Witnesses Early Tension
The contest between Argentina and England was fiercely contested from the opening whistle. Tempers flared in the third minute after a strong challenge by Enzo Fernández triggered a confrontation between players from both teams before the referee restored order.
The aggressive nature of the match continued throughout the first half, with several heated exchanges highlighting the intensity of the World Cup semi-final.
Yellow Cards Add to High-Intensity Battle
England midfielder Elliot Anderson received a yellow card after pushing Lionel Messi in the 37th minute.
Argentina defender Lisandro Martínez was also booked shortly before halftime for pulling Morgan Rogers' shirt as both sides battled fiercely for control.
First Half Ends Goalless Despite Multiple Chances
Both teams created promising opportunities before halftime but failed to find the breakthrough.
England threatened through Declan Rice, John Stones, and Reece James, while Argentina came close via Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernández, but the deadlock remained intact at the interval.
Anthony Gordon Gives England the Lead
Argentina started the second half aggressively, with Julián Álvarez and Messi testing England's defense early.
However, England struck first in the 55th minute when Morgan Rogers delivered a precise pass that Anthony Gordon converted with a clinical finish to hand the Three Lions a crucial 1-0 advantage.
Harry Kane nearly doubled England's lead later in the match, but Argentina's goalkeeper produced an important save to keep his side alive.
Fernández and Lautaro Complete Stunning Turnaround
Argentina continued pressing relentlessly despite England's lead.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 85th minute as Enzo Fernández unleashed a brilliant strike from distance to level the score at 1-1.
Moments later, Lionel Messi produced another moment of brilliance, delivering a perfectly weighted ball into the box where Lautaro Martínez powered home the decisive header in stoppage time to seal Argentina's memorable victory.
Argentina One Win Away from Consecutive World Cup Titles
With this victory, Argentina advances to its second consecutive FIFA World Cup final and remains on course to successfully defend its world title.
The defending champions will now face Spain in what promises to be a blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 final, while England's campaign ends heartbreakingly in the semi-finals despite leading for much of the second half.
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