Defending champions Argentina produced another memorable FIFA World Cup moment, scoring twice in the closing minutes to defeat England 2-1 in a dramatic semifinal at Atlanta Stadium. The comeback sends Lionel Scaloni’s side into the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, where they will meet Spain in a blockbuster showdown for football’s biggest prize.
England looked destined for their first World Cup final in six decades after taking the lead in the second half. But Argentina’s relentless pressure and the brilliance of Lionel Messi turned the match around in stunning fashion.
A Tactical Battle Dominated the Opening Half
The first 45 minutes were tense and physical, with both teams prioritizing defensive organization over attacking risks.
A combined 19 fouls highlighted the intensity of the contest, while neither side managed a shot on target before halftime.
England came closest to opening the scoring when John Stones headed a Declan Rice free kick just wide in the 33rd minute. Argentina responded through Enzo Fernández, whose long-range effort sailed over the crossbar.
With both defenses holding firm, the teams entered the break deadlocked at 0-0.
Anthony Gordon Gives England the Advantage
The game opened up after halftime as both teams began creating chances.
Argentina nearly struck first when Julián Álvarez forced an excellent near-post save from Jordan Pickford. Moments later, however, England delivered the breakthrough.
In the 55th minute, Morgan Rogers drove a low cross into the penalty area, allowing Anthony Gordon to get in front of Nahuel Molina before calmly finishing past Emiliano Martínez.
The goal gave England a 1-0 lead and put them within touching distance of a historic World Cup final appearance.
Argentina Refused to Stop Attacking
After conceding, England retreated deeper to protect their advantage, inviting wave after wave of Argentine attacks.
The South American side finished with 15 shots compared to England’s five, constantly testing the English defense.
Several key moments kept England ahead:
- Djed Spence produced a crucial goal-saving tackle to deny Giuliano Simeone.
- Jordan Pickford made an outstanding save to stop substitute Nico González.
- Alexis Mac Allister struck the woodwork as Argentina continued piling on the pressure.
Despite England’s determined defending, Argentina’s persistence eventually paid off.
Messi Inspires Another Memorable Comeback
The turning point arrived in the closing minutes, with Lionel Messi once again proving decisive.
In the 85th minute, Argentina worked a short-corner routine before Messi found Enzo Fernández, who unleashed a spectacular strike from outside the penalty area that flew beyond Pickford to level the match at 1-1.
Then, deep into stoppage time, Argentina completed the comeback.
After Mac Allister hit the post again, Messi collected the loose ball near the wing and delivered a perfectly weighted cross toward the far post. Lautaro Martínez rose highest to head home the winner in the 90+2nd minute, sending Argentina into the final with a 2-1 victory.
Messi Moves Ahead in the Golden Boot Race
Messi finished the semifinal with two assists, taking his tournament tally to 8 goals and 4 assists.
Those contributions move him ahead in the Golden Boot race, giving him the advantage over Kylian Mbappé, who also has eight goals but fewer assists after France’s semifinal elimination.
Another goal or assist in the final would strengthen Messi’s bid to finish as the tournament’s top scorer.
A World Cup Final Worthy of the Biggest Stage
The 104th and final match of the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature the world’s top two-ranked national teams as Spain faces Argentina.
The match also carries added significance after the planned Finalissima between the two nations, originally scheduled for March in Qatar, was canceled due to regional security concerns. Instead, the two continental champions will meet on football’s grandest stage.
Several major storylines headline Sunday’s final:
- Attack vs. Defense: Argentina has scored a tournament-leading 19 goals, while Spain has conceded just one goal in seven matches.
- Golden Boot Battle: Messi enters the final leading the race over Mbappé through the assists tiebreaker.
- A Generational Showdown: At 39 years old, Messi aims to guide Argentina to consecutive World Cup titles—the first nation to achieve the feat since Brazil in 1962. Standing opposite him is 19-year-old Lamine Yamal, who hopes to become one of the youngest stars ever to win a World Cup final.
England and France Battle for Third Place
England’s campaign ends in heartbreak after surrendering a late lead in the semifinal.
The Three Lions will now meet France in the third-place play-off, with both teams looking to finish the tournament on a positive note after narrow semifinal defeats.
The bronze-medal match also features another intriguing individual battle as Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé continue competing for the tournament’s top individual honors.
