Argentina shock England in dramatic comeback to reach 2026 World Cup Final

In one of the most dramatic finishes in World Cup history, Argentina orchestrated an astonishing late comeback to defeat England 2–1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, securing their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final.

Heated exchanges between players, contested fouls, but no goals marked the first half of the World Cup semifinal between England and Argentina in Atlanta.

Heated exchanges between players, contested fouls, but no goals marked the first half of the World Cup semifinal between England and Argentina in Atlanta.

For most of the second half, Thomas Tuchel’s tactical masterclass had England on the verge of their first World Cup final in 60 years.

In the 55th minute Morgan Rogers floated a precise cross from the right wing to find Anthony Gordon, who clinically volleyed it past Emiliano Martínez to give England the lead.

Following the goal, England retreated into a defensive low block. Jordan Pickford put on a clinic, making an unbelievable diving reaction save in the 69th minute to deny Nicolás González. In the 76th minute, Alexis Mac Allister hit the post.

After Alexis Mac Allister hit the post, Lionel Messi collected the rebound and fired a cross into the box, which Lautaro Martínez headed into the left side of the net to give Argentina the lead.

Argentina has made a habit this tournament of scoring late. According to the Fox broadcast, it had scored nine goals at this World Cup after the 75th minute, entering today. Make that 10 now, after Enzo Fernández tied this game in the 85th minute.

After first taking a shot that Jordan Pickford sent out for a corner, Enzo Fernández equalized this match in the 85th minute off the ensuing set piece.

Off a pass from Lionel Messi, Fernández took a left-bending shot from outside the top of the box that Jordan Pickford couldn’t reach.

With extra time looming after 90 minutes, Argentina's golden substitute Lautaro Martínez wrote his name into World Cup folklore.

Slipping behind the English defense, he latched onto a loose ball and coolly slotted home the stoppage-time winner.

Argentina’s second goal was the decisive moment of the semifinal, turning a tense 1–1 contest into a dramatic 2–1 victory over England.

Argentina has a chance to secure back-to-back World Cup titles and cement this generation's place among the greatest teams to ever play the game.

They will face European champions Spain who defeated France 2–0 in their own semifinal—at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.