Argentina beat England 2-1 to reach FIFA World Cup 2026 Final

Defending champions Argentina booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final after producing a dramatic late comeback to defeat England 2-1 in an enthralling semifinal.

Trailing with just minutes remaining, Lionel Scaloni's side struck twice in the closing stages through Enzo Fernandez and substitute Lautaro Martinez to overturn England's advantage and keep alive their hopes of retaining the World Cup.

Argentina will now face Spain in Sunday's final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

England take control through Gordon

England looked on course for their first World Cup final since 1966 after Anthony Gordon broke the deadlock in a tightly contested encounter.

The Three Lions defended resolutely for much of the match while limiting Argentina's attacking opportunities despite sustained spells of possession from the South Americans. With time running out, Tuchel's side appeared to have one foot in the final.

Argentina respond when it matters most

The defending champions refused to surrender. Argentina increased the tempo during the final stages, pinning England deep inside their own half before finally finding the breakthrough.

Enzo Fernandez equalised in the 85th minute after sustained pressure around England's penalty area, setting up a frantic finish. The decisive moment arrived deep into stoppage time.

Substitute Lautaro Martinez rose highest inside the penalty area to power home the winning header, sparking wild celebrations among Argentina's players and supporters.

Messi leads another final charge

Although Lionel Messi did not find the scoresheet, the Argentina captain remained at the heart of his team's attacking play throughout the contest.

His movement, creativity and leadership helped maintain Argentina's belief even after falling behind, as the reigning champions once again demonstrated their resilience on football's biggest stage.

Argentina have now reached consecutive FIFA World Cup finals and remain on course to become the first nation since Brazil (1958 and 1962) to successfully defend the men's World Cup title.

The semifinal renewed one of international football's fiercest rivalries. Supporters from both nations created an electric atmosphere from kickoff, with the intensity inside the stadium matching the occasion as two of world football's traditional powers battled for a place in the final.

Like many previous meetings between the countries, the contest was decided by fine margins and unforgettable drama.

Spain await in World Cup Final

Argentina's victory sets up a heavyweight final against Spain, who secured their place by defeating France in the other semifinal.

The meeting brings together the defending world champions against the reigning European champions in what promises to be one of the most anticipated World Cup finals in recent history.

For Argentina, victory would secure back-to-back FIFA World Cup titles and further cement this generation's place among football's greatest international teams.

SportsLigue