Argentina came from behind to defeat England and book their place in a second consecutive FIFA World Cup final.
La Albiceleste fought back from a goal down to claim a dramatic victory over the Three Lions, securing their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. It marks Argentina’s second straight appearance in the tournament’s showpiece after another resilient display.
England took the lead early in the second half but opted to sit back and protect their slender advantage. Argentina kept pushing and eventually broke through England’s defence, scoring twice in the final five minutes of regulation to complete a remarkable comeback and avoid extra time.
First Half
Both teams failed to find the back of the net after an extremely physical opening 45 minutes. The spoils were shared at the break, with neither side able to make the breakthrough.
Argentina enjoyed the better share of possession, controlling 55% of the ball compared to England’s 45%, but neither team created any significant threat in front of goal. Star players Lionel Messi, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham were all kept quiet, with none making a major impact before the interval.
Second Half
The game resumed with both sides determined to make the difference. England finally broke the deadlock in the 56th minute as Gordon found the back of the net, finishing off a sublime assist from Roger Henderson to hand the Three Lions a crucial lead.
Rather than build on their advantage, England dropped deep to protect the lone goal, allowing Argentina to take control. The pressure finally paid off in the 85th minute when Enzo Fernández fired home the equaliser from a Lionel Messi assist. Deep into stoppage time, Lautaro MartÃnez completed the comeback with a sublime finish in the 90+2nd minute, again set up by Messi, sealing an emphatic victory for the reigning champions.
Argentina will now face Spain in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The final will be played on Sunday, 19 July 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
