Argentina turned a fading World Cup semifinal into another late escape Wednesday, July 15, 2026, rallying past England 2-1 in Atlanta to reach the final against Spain.
England led through Anthony Gordon's 55th-minute goal and was five minutes from its first World Cup final since 1966. Then Argentina broke through twice: Enzo Fernandez equalized in the 85th minute, and substitute Lautaro Martinez headed in the winner two minutes into stoppage time after Lionel Messi sent in the decisive cross.
Why it stands out
The comeback keeps Argentina one win from back-to-back World Cup titles, something no men's team has done since Brazil in 1958 and 1962. It also adds another painful chapter for England in a fixture already loaded with World Cup history.
AP reported that Argentina had been pushing hard before the equalizer, with Alexis Mac Allister hitting the post and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford making important saves as the pressure built. Once England retreated into protecting the lead, Argentina found the rhythm and risk it needed.
Key moments
55th minute: Gordon put England ahead, giving Thomas Tuchel's side a lead it nearly carried to the finish.
85th minute: Fernandez swept in the equalizer from outside the box after Messi helped unlock England's defense.
92nd minute: Martinez, brought on as a substitute, headed in Messi's cross to complete the turnaround and send Argentina back to the final.
The bigger picture
The result sets up a title match between Argentina and Spain on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Spain reached the final by beating France 2-0 and has built the tournament's strongest defensive record, while Argentina enters with a run of late-game resilience and the chance to defend its 2022 title.
For England, the loss extends a long wait that has become more painful because of how close recent teams have come. England also lost World Cup semifinals in 1990 and 2018, and Wednesday's collapse joins other major-tournament defeats after taking an early lead.
What is next
Argentina will face Spain for the World Cup title on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. England moves into the third-place game against France, but the larger question will be how a team that had the final within reach let the match tilt so sharply in the closing minutes.
