Argentina beat England late to reach World Cup final against Spain
Lionel Messi set up both late goals as Argentina came from behind to beat England 2-1 in Atlanta, AFP reported.
By Lucas Ferreira · Science & Environment Writer
3 min read
Argentina reached the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after a late 2-1 comeback win over England in Atlanta, keeping alive their bid to retain the trophy. AFP reported that Lionel Messi created both Argentina goals, including Lautaro Martinez’s winner in the second minute of stoppage time.
England led through Anthony Gordon in the 55th minute and were within sight of a first World Cup final since 1966. Argentina overturned the semifinal in the closing stages, with Enzo Fernandez equalising in the 85th minute before Martinez headed in the decisive goal.
The result sends Argentina into Sunday’s final against European champions Spain at New York New Jersey Stadium in New Jersey. England will travel to Miami to face France in Saturday’s third-place playoff, AFP reported.
Messi creates late turnaround
AFP reported that the match was played before 68,239 fans at Atlanta Stadium, where tension marked a first half short on clear chances. The contest carried the weight of a long World Cup rivalry between Argentina and England, and fouls broke up much of the early play.
England broke through 10 minutes after halftime. Harry Kane was involved in the buildup before the ball reached Morgan Rogers on the right, and Gordon met his low cross at the far post ahead of Nahuel Molina.
Argentina pressed harder after falling behind. AFP reported that Jordan Pickford saved a Nico Gonzalez header, while Alexis Mac Allister struck the post in the 76th minute. Pickford also stopped a long-range Fernandez effort before Argentina found the equaliser.
Messi picked out Fernandez near the edge of the area, and the midfielder controlled the pass before shooting past Pickford. Argentina kept pushing after that goal, and Mac Allister hit the post again before England failed to clear.
With extra time approaching, Messi delivered a cross for Martinez, who had come on as a substitute. Martinez headed in during the second minute of added time, setting off Argentina celebrations and leaving England’s players on the turf at full-time, AFP reported.
Argentina chase rare repeat
Argentina are attempting to become the first team to retain the World Cup since Brazil in 1962. AFP noted that Italy are the only other nation to have defended the title.
The final will also put Messi in rare company. AFP reported that he is set to become the second player, after Brazil’s Cafu, to appear in three World Cup finals.
Messi, 39, had not previously faced England in a competitive match, according to AFP. He will now face Spain competitively for the first time as Argentina try to add to the title they won in Qatar in 2022.
England’s loss ended a run that had brought Thomas Tuchel’s team close to the country’s first World Cup final appearance in 60 years. AFP reported that Jude Bellingham and captain Harry Kane, described as key players in England’s campaign, did not deliver the decisive moments on the night.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.