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Argentina beat England to set up World Cup final against Spain
16th July, 2026 12:08 AM
A football rivalry steeped in historic controversy and high-octane drama delivered its latest classic on Wednesday night, as defending champions Argentina staged a breathtaking late comeback to stun England 2-1 and secure their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Under the bright lights of Atlanta Stadium, Lionel Scaloni’s side booked their ticket to Sunday’s showpiece against Spain in New Jersey, but they had to claw their way back from the brink.
After a cagey and scoreless first half, it was England who drew first blood through their dynamic left winger.
For England, Anthony Gordon opened the scoring in the 54th minute. Following a lightning-fast run down the flank, the Newcastle United winger burst into the penalty area and finished cleanly inside the six-yard box, sending the travelling England fans into absolute raptures.
The goal put Thomas Tuchel’s resilient side on the cusp of history, prompting Scaloni to make a series of tactical shifts – including throwing on Rodrigo De Paul and Lautaro Martínez.
As the minutes ticked away and English defensive structures held firm, Argentina’s iconic captain took control of the game.
Enzo Fernández scored the crucial equaliser late in the second half, in the 84th minute, firing a shot from a Lionel Messi assist to bring Argentina level at 1-1.
Coming off the bench as an 80th-minute substitute, Lautaro Martínez completed the rapid turnaround in stoppage time. In the 91st minute, he finished another Messi assist to put Argentina ahead 2-1, breaking English hearts and sealing the victory.
With the dramatic turnaround, Argentina’s flawless record in World Cup semifinals remains intact, having now progressed on all six occasions they have reached this stage.
While Lionel Messi’s squad shifts their focus to MetLife Stadium on Sunday, July 19, for a monumental final against a formidable, high-flying Spain team, England’s campaign is not yet finished.
The Three Lions will leave Atlanta with heads held high after an incredibly brave run, immediately shifting their focus to Saturday’s third-place playoff. Tuchel’s men will travel to face France in a heavyweight battle to secure the tournament’s bronze medal.
Standing in the way of their dream of back-to-back world titles is a formidable, high-flying Spain team in what promises to be a monumental final.
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Martin Oduor
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