Argentina vs England ended 2-1 after Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez completed a late World Cup semifinal comeback in Atlanta.
Argentina vs England delivered a dramatic World Cup semifinal as the defending champions scored twice late to claim a 2-1 victory at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
England looked ready to reach their first men’s World Cup final since 1966 after Anthony Gordon opened the scoring in the 55th minute. However, Enzo Fernández equalised in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martínez headed home the winner in the second minute of stoppage time.
The result sends Argentina into Sunday’s final against Spain, who defeated France 2-0 in the other semifinal. England will instead meet France in Saturday’s third-place playoff.
The highly anticipated match renewed one of international football’s most famous rivalries. Argentina and England met for the sixth time at a World Cup and the fourth time in the knockout stages.
Their previous tournament meeting came in 2002, when David Beckham’s penalty secured a 1-0 group-stage win for England.
Neither side created many clear chances during a tense opening half. England worked hard to restrict Lionel Messi, while Argentina controlled periods of possession without seriously testing goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
England broke the deadlock ten minutes after halftime. Gordon finished a well-constructed move to put Thomas Tuchel’s team ahead and raise hopes of a first World Cup final appearance in 60 years.
Argentina vs England Turns in the Closing Minutes
England gradually dropped deeper after taking the lead. Argentina gained control of possession and committed more players to attack as the semifinal entered its closing stages.
That pressure produced the equaliser in the 85th minute. Messi helped create space for Fernández, who struck powerfully beyond Pickford to bring Argentina level.
England had little time to recover before Argentina attacked again. Messi delivered the ball into the penalty area, where substitute Martínez rose to head past Pickford in the 92nd minute.
Argentina’s players and supporters celebrated wildly as England’s advantage disappeared within seven minutes. England searched for another chance during the remaining stoppage time, but Argentina protected the lead and secured a place in their seventh World Cup final.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised his players’ determination after the comeback. England captain Harry Kane acknowledged that his team had tried to protect its narrow advantage but could not withstand Argentina’s late pressure.
The victory keeps Argentina’s title defence alive. They are now one win away from becoming the first country since Brazil in 1962 to claim consecutive men’s World Cups.
England must quickly regroup before facing France. The third-place playoff offers Tuchel’s side an opportunity to end the tournament with a victory.
However, the manner of the defeat will create questions about England’s decision to retreat after Gordon’s goal.
Argentina now turn their attention to Spain and the chance to secure a fourth World Cup title. England, meanwhile, must recover from another painful semifinal exit.
Match Summary
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026
Stage: Semifinal
Result: England 1-2 Argentina
Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Goals:
England: Anthony Gordon, 55th minute
Argentina: Enzo Fernández, 85th minute
Argentina: Lautaro Martínez, 90+2 minutes
Argentina’s next match: World Cup final against Spain
England’s next match: Third-place playoff against France
