ATLANTA, July 16 (ANI): Defending champion Argentina rallied from a goal down to defeat England 2-1 in a dramatic FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday, scoring twice in the closing minutes to book a place in the final against Spain.
The first half was closely contested, with both teams battling for control in midfield. England looked threatening from set pieces, while Argentina created chances of its own, but neither side was able to break the deadlock before halftime. The physical contest also saw Elliot Anderson, Lisandro Martínez, and Cristian Romero receive yellow cards.
England took the lead in the 55th minute through Anthony Gordon. Morgan Rogers delivered a dangerous cross from the right, and Gordon arrived at the far post to steer his finish past Emiliano Martínez, giving the Three Lions a 1-0 advantage.
After taking the lead, England adopted a more defensive approach as manager Thomas Tuchel introduced Ezri Konsa to strengthen the back line.
Argentina responded with sustained pressure. Jordan Pickford produced an outstanding save to deny Nicolás González, while Alexis Mac Allister struck the post as the defending champions pushed for an equalizer.
Argentina’s persistence paid off in the 85th minute when Enzo Fernández latched onto a pass from Lionel Messi just outside the penalty area and fired a shot past Pickford to level the match.
With momentum firmly on its side, Argentina completed the comeback in stoppage time. In the 90th+2 minute, Messi dribbled past Djed Spence on the right before delivering a pinpoint cross beyond Pickford to the back post, where an unmarked Lautaro Martínez headed into the open net.
England pressed for a late equalizer, but Argentina held firm through the remaining stoppage time to secure a memorable victory.
The win sends Argentina into the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, where it will face Spain on Sunday. England’s hopes of reaching its first World Cup final since 1966 came to a heartbreaking end. Thomas Tuchel’s side will face France in the third-place playoff on Saturday. (ANI)
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