Defending champions Argentina defeated England in the second semi-final of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to secure a place in the final.
Argentina came from behind to beat England 2–1, with Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez scoring for the winners.
The match, played at Atlanta Stadium, was exciting from the opening whistle. Both teams started at a high tempo, battling intensely for possession and creating attacking opportunities.
Despite several chances, neither side managed to score in the first half, which ended goalless.
England broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when Anthony Gordon found the net to give his team the lead.
Argentina mounted a dramatic comeback late in the game. Enzo Fernández equalized in the 85th minute, and Lautaro Martínez scored the winning goal in the second minute of stoppage time (90+2′), ending England’s dream of reaching a World Cup final for the first time in 60 years.
Argentina will face Spain in the FIFA World Cup final on Sunday, while England will play France in the third-place playoff on Saturday.
This marks the seventh time Argentina has reached a FIFA World Cup final. The South American side has previously won the tournament three times and finished as runners-up three times.
Following the victory and qualification for the final, millions of fans celebrated on the streets of Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital. Supporters marked the occasion with fireworks, giant screens displaying captain Lionel Messi’s image, and chants in support of the national team.
