Argentina have kept their World Cup dream alive after a dramatic semi-final battle that left England heartbroken.
The defending champions produced a late surge at Atlanta Stadium on Tuesday night to secure a place in their second consecutive FIFA World Cup final.
England had looked on course for a historic result before Argentina turned the game around, setting up a final showdown with Spain at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
England had looked set to end Argentina’s reign after taking the lead in the 55th minute through Anthony Gordon.
The goal capped a disciplined first hour from Thomas Tuchel’s side, who defended in a compact low block. For long periods it appeared England had the tactical answer to Lionel Messi and his supporting cast.
But Argentina, as they have done so often in recent years, refused to accept defeat.
The momentum began to shift in the final 15 minutes as Argentina increased the tempo and pushed their fullbacks higher.
The equalizer arrived in the 85th minute when Enzo Fernández arrived late to finish and make it 1-1.
The stadium, packed mostly with fans in sky blue and white, erupted as belief surged through the Albiceleste.
England tried to regroup and see out the final moments, but they were caught again deep into stoppage time.
Lautaro Martínez scored the decisive goal in the 91st minute to complete the turnaround and make it 2-1. It was a cruel ending for England, who had defended with discipline for most of the night.
The result continues Argentina’s remarkable habit of finding a second gear in the closing stages of big games.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni’s substitutions proved crucial in turning a game that had looked lost.
For England, the defeat will sting because they were 30 minutes from the final.
Instead, they head home with pride but also with the familiar feeling of coming so close on the biggest stage.
Argentina will now face Spain on Sunday, July 19, 2026, in what promises to be a final between the World Cup holders and the European champions.
Spain reached the final earlier after a comfortable win over France.
If Argentina lift the trophy again, they will become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups.
The defending champions produced a late surge at Atlanta Stadium on Tuesday night to secure a place in their second consecutive FIFA World Cup final.
England had looked on course for a historic result before Argentina turned the game around, setting up a final showdown with Spain at MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
England had looked set to end Argentina’s reign after taking the lead in the 55th minute through Anthony Gordon.
The goal capped a disciplined first hour from Thomas Tuchel’s side, who defended in a compact low block. For long periods it appeared England had the tactical answer to Lionel Messi and his supporting cast.
But Argentina, as they have done so often in recent years, refused to accept defeat.
The momentum began to shift in the final 15 minutes as Argentina increased the tempo and pushed their fullbacks higher.
The equalizer arrived in the 85th minute when Enzo Fernández arrived late to finish and make it 1-1.
The stadium, packed mostly with fans in sky blue and white, erupted as belief surged through the Albiceleste.
England tried to regroup and see out the final moments, but they were caught again deep into stoppage time.
Lautaro Martínez scored the decisive goal in the 91st minute to complete the turnaround and make it 2-1. It was a cruel ending for England, who had defended with discipline for most of the night.
The result continues Argentina’s remarkable habit of finding a second gear in the closing stages of big games.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni’s substitutions proved crucial in turning a game that had looked lost.
For England, the defeat will sting because they were 30 minutes from the final.
Instead, they head home with pride but also with the familiar feeling of coming so close on the biggest stage.
Argentina will now face Spain on Sunday, July 19, 2026, in what promises to be a final between the World Cup holders and the European champions.
Spain reached the final earlier after a comfortable win over France.
If Argentina lift the trophy again, they will become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups.
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