Defending champions Argentina produced another dramatic World Cup comeback, overturning a second-half deficit to defeat England 2–1 and book their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Inspired by captain Lionel Messi, the South Americans scored twice in the closing minutes to set up a blockbuster title showdown against Spain.
When England took the lead midway through the second half, Thomas Tuchel’s side looked destined for a first FIFA World Cup final in decades.
But against Lionel Messi’s Argentina, the match was never truly over.
The reigning world champions mounted a breathtaking late comeback, scoring twice in the final minutes to snatch a 2–1 victory and secure their place in Sunday’s World Cup final, leaving England heartbroken once again on football’s biggest stage.
The first half was a tense tactical contest, with both teams creating chances but struggling to break each other down.
England eventually found the breakthrough in the 55th minute when Anthony Gordon finished off a swift attacking move, sending thousands of England supporters inside the stadium into celebration and putting Argentina under immense pressure.
Rather than panic, Argentina gradually increased the tempo.
With Lionel Messi dropping deeper to dictate play, the South Americans pinned England inside their own half and repeatedly tested the English defence.
Their persistence paid off in the 85th minute when Enzo Fernández fired home from the edge of the penalty area after being picked out by Messi, restoring parity and shifting momentum completely in Argentina’s favour.
England barely had time to recover before Argentina struck again.
Deep into stoppage time, Messi floated a dangerous delivery into the box after sustained pressure. Following an effort that came back off the woodwork, Lautaro Martínez reacted quickest to head home the winner in the 92nd minute.
The goal sparked wild celebrations among Argentine players and supporters, completing one of the tournament’s most dramatic comebacks.
The victory sends Argentina into a second consecutive World Cup final as they continue their quest to retain the trophy won in Qatar four years earlier.
Standing between them and history is Spain, who booked their own place in the final after defeating France in the other semifinal.
The championship clash is already being billed as one of the most anticipated finals in recent World Cup history, featuring the tournament’s most prolific attack against its strongest defence.
For England, the defeat was particularly painful after leading for much of the second half.
Manager Thomas Tuchel admitted the late collapse would be difficult to accept, while captain Harry Kane praised his teammates’ effort despite the devastating finish.
Once again, England’s wait for another World Cup triumph continues, while Argentina edge closer to another historic achievement.
Argentina’s remarkable resilience has become one of the defining stories of this World Cup. Led by Lionel Messi’s creativity and experience, the defending champions have repeatedly found ways to prevail under pressure. Now, with Spain awaiting in the final, Argentina stand just one victory away from retaining football’s biggest prize.