Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
The Argentina comeback crushed England’s hopes of reaching the FIFA World Cup final on July 15, 2026, as Lionel Scaloni’s defending champions won 2-1 at Atlanta Stadium. Enzo Fernández equalised in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martínez headed home Lionel Messi’s cross in stoppage time.
England had entered the semifinal as the slight favourite and appeared set to justify that forecast when Anthony Gordon converted Morgan Rogers’ cross in the 55th minute. Argentina had struggled to create openings during a physical first half, but their response after falling behind changed the match.
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England Lose Control After Taking Lead
Jordan Pickford twice denied Julián Álvarez before making another fine save from Nicolás González. Djed Spence also stopped Giuliano Simeone with a well-timed tackle, but England gradually dropped deeper as Argentina increased the pressure.
Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martínez kept Harry Kane quiet, while Leandro Paredes protected Argentina’s defence before Lionel Scaloni turned to his substitutes. Nicolás González, Rodrigo De Paul, Gonzalo Montiel and Nicolás Otamendi helped Argentina push forward, with Lautaro Martínez replacing Nicolás Tagliafico in the 81st minute.
Argentina finished with 64 per cent possession, 15 shots and six corners, compared with England’s five shots and one corner. Thomas Tuchel switched to a five-player defence, but the change failed to stop the flow of attacks.
Harry Kane later told the BBC, “Once we went 1-0 up we seemed to just try to hold on, which at this level is not enough,” according to The Guardian.
Lionel Messi Decides the Semifinal
Lionel Messi found Enzo Fernández from a short corner for the equaliser before supplying the winner with a right-footed cross. Lautaro Martínez rose at the back post and headed past Jordan Pickford in the 92nd minute.
Argentina will face Spain in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19, with the chance to become the first men’s team since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup. England will meet France in the third-place match in Miami.