Argentina produced a stunning second-half comeback to defeat England 2-1 and book their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, keeping alive their hopes of defending the title they won in Qatar four years ago.
Lionel Scaloni’s side recovered from going behind to score twice late in the contest, extending Argentina’s remarkable record of progressing from all six World Cup semi-finals in their history
The defending champions will now face France in Sunday’s final in what promises to be a repeat of the unforgettable 2022 World Cup showpiece.
Cagey First Half Ends Goalless
The latest chapter in one of international football’s fiercest rivalries began cautiously, with both sides prioritising defensive solidity over attacking adventure.
The opening exchanges were dominated by physical battles in midfield, with seven fouls committed inside the first 10 minutes as neither team was willing to concede early control.
England threatened first after Jude Bellingham won a free-kick that eventually found John Stones, whose header drifted narrowly wide.
Argentina’s best opportunity before the interval fell to Enzo Fernandez, but the Chelsea midfielder’s powerful strike flew just over Jordan Pickford’s crossbar.
With only three shots recorded between the two sides in the opening 45 minutes, the teams headed into the break deadlocked.
England Strike First Through Anthony Gordon
England emerged from the restart with greater purpose and deservedly broke the deadlock in the 55th minute.
Declan Rice launched a quick attack by releasing Morgan Rogers down the right flank, and the winger delivered an inviting cross that Anthony Gordon met at the far post with a composed close-range finish.
It was only the second time Argentina had trailed in a World Cup match since their shock defeat to Saudi Arabia in 2022.
Argentina Fight Back in Style
The goal sparked Argentina into life.
Jordan Pickford produced a superb reflex save to deny Nicolas Gonzalez after Lionel Messi’s teasing cross, before Alexis Mac Allister rattled the post from Rodrigo De Paul’s delivery as the South Americans piled on the pressure.
England’s resistance finally cracked when Enzo Fernandez collected the ball from a corner before unleashing a superb strike from outside the box that found the far corner, leaving Pickford with no chance.
Buoyed by the equaliser, Argentina continued to dominate possession and territory.
Mac Allister struck the woodwork for a second time before Lionel Messi delivered another inch-perfect cross that Lautaro Martinez headed into an empty net to complete the dramatic turnaround.
France Await in Blockbuster Final
England pushed forward in search of a late equaliser but failed to create another clear-cut opportunity, suffering heartbreak in the semi-finals for the third time since winning the World Cup in 1966.
Argentina will now meet France in Sunday’s final in Miami, with Lionel Scaloni aiming to guide La Albiceleste to back-to-back World Cup titles.
The showdown also offers Lionel Messi another opportunity to add to his legendary international career as Argentina chase a fourth World Cup crown.
