Argentina Stuns England to Reach FIFA World Cup 2026 Final

Argentina's Dramatic Comeback

Atlanta, July 16: Defending champions Argentina pulled off a remarkable late comeback, scoring twice through Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez to defeat England 2-1, securing their spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.

With this victory, Argentina has achieved a perfect record in World Cup semi-finals, winning all six they have participated in. Under the guidance of coach Lionel Scaloni, they are set to face Spain in the final scheduled for Sunday in New York New Jersey.

England, who were competing in their second semi-final in three World Cups, initially took the lead when Gordon scored from a cross by Morgan Rogers. However, this was not enough for them to reach their first World Cup final since 1966. Argentina responded with a stunning goal from Fernandez from outside the box, followed by Martinez's header in the third minute of injury time, allowing them to defend their title.

Argentina has now joined the ranks of six teams that have won the World Cup and returned to the final in the subsequent tournament, following in the footsteps of Italy, Brazil, and France. On the other hand, England has faced disappointment, having lost three World Cup semi-finals (1990, 2018, and 2026) and only having one final appearance from 1966.

The match commenced with high intensity and was tightly contested, with the first shot on goal not occurring until the 33rd minute when John Stones missed a header from a Declan Rice free-kick. At the opposite end, Fernandez sent a powerful shot over the bar.

Both teams had to exert significant effort to reach this stage, showcasing moments of brilliance when necessary. Julian Alvarez attempted to create a scoring opportunity shortly after the second half began, but his effort was saved by Jordan Pickford.

The breakthrough came from England when Morgan Rogers, reinstated in the starting lineup, delivered a low cross that Gordon converted with a precise finish into the corner of Emiliano Martinez’s goal.

Another player brought back into the lineup, Djed Spence, made a crucial tackle to deny Giuliano Simeone, but England's defense began to falter under Argentina's mounting pressure. Substitute Nico Gonzalez had a header saved by Pickford, and Alexis Mac Allister hit the post.

Eventually, Argentina's persistence paid off. Following a short corner, Messi passed to Fernandez, who unleashed a stunning shot from outside the box that found the back of the net.

In added time, Mac Allister's shot hit the post, but Messi quickly recovered the ball and delivered a cross that Martinez converted at the far post.

Notably, at 39 years and 21 days, Messi became the oldest outfield player to appear in a World Cup semi-final, surpassing the previous record held by Fritz Walter and Gunnar Gren, who were both 37 years and 236 days old during their match in 1958.