Argentina defeated England 2–1 in a dramatic 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta to advance to the final.
Two late goals from the defending champions canceled out England’s second-half lead, booking La Albiceleste a ticket to the final against Spain
It was the two late goals in the second half, which Argentina used to stun England to advance to the final.
They will meet Spain, which beat France 2-0 on Tuesday to final trip to MetLife Stadium on July 19.
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.
Lionel Messi and co. looked devoid of ideas but it was coach Lionel Scaloni’s substitutions that turned the game in the most dramatic of circumstances.
While England’s Tuchel was packing defenders in his substitution, Argentina kept bringing on strikers.
ust when all seemed lost, Enzo Fernández saved Argentina once again.
It was Fernández who scored the winner against Egypt and now the equalizer against England, a goal that had been coming given Argentina was poking and prodding then English defence ever since Anthony Gordon’s opener.
The stands shook once again in the upper reaches of the stadium and the Argentine fans were back in full voice.
Football did not go home
England missed out on their first World Cup final since 1966 after that stunning late turnaround from Argentina saw the holders earn a 2-1 victory thanks to Lautaro Martinez’s stoppage-time winner.
The Three Lions were leading 1-0 with five minutes of normal time remaining in Atlanta thanks to Anthony Gordon’s early second-half opener.
But two goals in the space of seven minutes saw a remarkable comeback from Argentina as Enzo Fernandez levelled with a wonderful 85th-minute strike from distance before substitute Martinez headed in a 92nd-minute winner.
Argentina’s turnaround came after England boss Thomas Tuchel made a number of defensive substitutions as England looked to hold on to their lead.
But following the changes, Argentina took firm control of the game and deservedly came back, with Lionel Messi playing a huge influence as he assisted Martinez’s winner.
