Argentina defeated England 2-1 in the World Cup 2026 semifinal played in Atlanta, qualifying for the final on Sunday July 19 against Spain. The win came through a late comeback: after falling behind to Anthony Gordon's goal in the second half, strikes from Enzo Fernández in the 85th minute and Lautaro Martínez in the 92nd, the second of nine added minutes, turned the match around. Both Argentine goals came from assists by Lionel Messi.

The match began with high tension and numerous stoppages in the first half, characterized by hard challenges and few goal-scoring opportunities for either side. The only dangerous attempt of the opening period was a long-range shot from Enzo Fernández that went just over the bar. American referee Ismail Elfath called numerous fouls early on, with studio commentators voicing complaints about his handling of the game.

In the second half England took the lead through a counterattack finished with a cross from Rogers and a shot by Gordon behind defender Molina. Argentina then pressed relentlessly for the equalizer: Mac Allister hit the post twice, first in the 76th minute and again in the 92nd, right before the winning goal sequence. For the equalizer, Fernández received from Messi at the edge of the box and shot to Pickford's right. The winning goal came from a Messi assist headed in by Lautaro Martínez deep in stoppage time.

According to several accounts, England manager Thomas Tuchel opted for defensive substitutions late in the game, bringing on two additional defenders, while Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni introduced attacking players in search of the comeback. England, who had not reached a World Cup final in sixty years, were eliminated after leading the match until the 85th minute.

The final on Sunday July 19 will be played at MetLife Stadium in New York between Argentina and Spain. It will be the second consecutive World Cup final for the reigning champions Argentina, and the first for Spain's Lamine Yamal. For 39-year-old Lionel Messi, it will be his third World Cup final, a record shared so far only with Brazil's Cafu. An air quality alert has been issued for the New York area due to smoke from wildfires in Canada, with rain forecast on the eve of the match that could improve conditions.

In Buenos Aires, tens of thousands of people filled the Obelisk area on the night of July 15 to celebrate qualification for the final, with flags, chants and fireworks.