Argentina staged a breathtaking late comeback to knock England out of the 2026 World Cup and book a place in the final against Spain, overturning a 1-0 deficit to win 2-1 in Atlanta.
The defending champions looked on the brink of elimination at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium before Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez struck in the closing minutes to send Argentina into the showpiece at MetLife Stadium on 19 July.
England, seeking a first World Cup final since 1966, had led through Anthony Gordon’s early second-half goal and appeared in control with five minutes of normal time remaining.
But Argentina, who had been pressing relentlessly, finally broke through on 85 minutes when Fernandez unleashed a powerful long-range strike to level the match and ignite the largely Albiceleste-supporting crowd.
Seven minutes later, in stoppage time, Lionel Messi delivered a precise cross for substitute Martinez, who headed home the winner in the 92nd minute to complete a stunning turnaround and silence the England fans.
Late drama shatters England’s World Cup dream
The defeat means “football did not go home” as England missed out on the chance to contest their first World Cup final in 60 years.
Thomas Tuchel’s side had appeared to be edging towards history after Gordon’s opener shortly after half-time. The winger finished off a well-worked move to give the Three Lions a 1-0 lead and momentarily seize control of the semi-final.
Tuchel then turned to his bench to make a series of defensive substitutions, clearly aiming to protect the narrow advantage and see the game out.
However, the shift in approach invited Argentina forward, and from that point the holders began to dominate territory and possession, with Messi increasingly dictating play in the final third.
Scaloni’s attacking gambles pay off
In sharp contrast to England’s conservatism, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni opted for a bold attacking strategy, continually introducing forwards as the match wore on.
For long spells, Messi and his team-mates appeared short of ideas in front of goal, struggling to break down a resolute England back line. Yet Scaloni persisted with offensive changes, gambling that pressure would eventually tell.
“Just when all seemed lost, Enzo Fernandez saved Argentina once again.”
Fernandez, who had previously scored the decisive goal against Egypt earlier in the tournament, stepped up with another crucial intervention. His 85th-minute strike from distance, coming after sustained Argentine probing of the England defence, shifted all the momentum.
Moments later, with England reeling and the stadium’s upper tiers shaking under the roar of Argentine supporters, Messi seized control once more. Picking up the ball in an advanced position, he delivered a pinpoint cross that Martinez headed in for the dramatic stoppage-time winner.
Argentina refuse to accept defeat
The performance reinforced Argentina’s reputation as a side that “never knows when it’s beaten”. Their ability to pull off yet another late “miracle escape act” underlined the team’s mentality and big-game experience.
“The Argentine team showed it never knows when it’s beaten and again performed a miracle escape act to win this dramatic semifinal at the death.”
La Albiceleste’s refusal to panic, even when chances were scarce and time was running out, ultimately proved decisive. With England dropping deeper and ceding initiative, Argentina’s attacking substitutions and belief turned the match on its head.
As the final whistle blew, Argentine fans were in full voice, celebrating a return to the World Cup final and a chance to retain their title against Spain, who earlier beat France 2-0 to secure their own place in New Jersey.
For England, the wait for a second World Cup crown continues, their campaign undone by a ruthless late surge from the reigning champions.
