WASHINGTON, DC — ARGENTINA will defend their FIFA World Cup 2026™ crown against Spain after staging a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England in the semifinals of the 2026 tournament.
Goals from Enzo Fernandez and substitute Lautaro Martinez, both set up by Lionel Messi, completed a late turnaround in Atlanta after England had looked destined for their first World Cup final in 60 years.
Anthony Gordon gave England the lead in the 55th minute, finishing from close range after a dangerous low cross from Morgan Rogers. However, Argentina responded strongly as England retreated under sustained pressure.
The first half was a tightly contested affair, with few clear-cut chances. John Stones headed wide from a Declan Rice free kick for England, while Fernandez fired over at the other end.
Argentina came out with greater urgency after the break with Julian Alvarez testing goalkeeper Jordan Pickford before England struck first through Gordon, who beat Nahuel Molina to Rogers' cross and steered the ball beyond Emiliano Martinez.
Argentina finally found the breakthrough after a short-corner routine. Messi picked out Fernandez, whose powerful strike from outside the area flew beyond Pickford to level the match.
With extra time looming, Argentina delivered the decisive blow in stoppage time. After Mac Allister's effort rebounded off the post, Messi kept the attack alive with a pinpoint cross that substitute Lautaro Martinez converted at the far post.
The victory sends Argentina into their seventh FIFA World Cup final, where they will face Spain as they bid to retain the title and add another chapter to one of international football's greatest rivalries.
