World Cup 2026: Argentina complete comeback to beat England and reach final

Argentina staged a stunning late comeback to defeat England 2-1 in the World Cup semi-final at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Wednesday, booking a spot in the final against Spain. The match, played in front of 68,239 fans, saw England take the lead in the 55th minute through Anthony Gordon, who finished from a low cross by Morgan Rogers. England appeared poised to reach their first World Cup final since 1966, but Argentina had other plans.

Lionel Messi, playing against England for the first time in his career at age 39, set up Enzo Fernandez for the equalizer in the 85th minute. Just as extra time loomed, Messi delivered a cross for substitute Lautaro Martinez to head home the winner in the second minute of stoppage time. The victory sends Argentina to their second consecutive World Cup final, where they will face Spain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday.

Messi will become only the second player after Brazil's Cafu to appear in three World Cup finals. No team has won back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1962. For England, the defeat was devastating. Thomas Tuchel's side will now play France in the third-place playoff on Saturday in Miami. England's key players Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane failed to make an impact, and the team slumped in the final moments.

The first half was a tense, foul-ridden affair with few chances. Argentina pressed hard after falling behind, hitting the post twice through Alexis Mac Allister and forcing saves from Jordan Pickford. But their persistence paid off in dramatic fashion, sparking chaotic celebrations and leaving England deflated.