Defending champions Argentina produced another remarkable comeback to defeat England 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal on Wednesday, booking a place in Sunday’s final against Spain at New York New Jersey Stadium.
England appeared destined for its first World Cup final in 60 years after Anthony Gordon gave the Three Lions the lead early in the second half. However, two late goals from Enzo Fernández and substitute Lautaro Martínez, both assisted by Lionel Messi, completed a dramatic turnaround that sent Argentina into its seventh World Cup final.
The semifinal began cautiously, with neither side creating a clear chance until the 33rd minute when John Stones headed wide from a Declan Rice free kick.
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The winning goal came deep into stoppage time after Mac Allister’s effort rebounded off the post. Messi kept the attack alive with a precise cross to the far post, where Martínez finished from close range to complete Argentina’s comeback.
“I dreamed it, I swear,” Martínez said after the match. “I told Alexis [Mac Allister] that I was going to score. I told Facu Medina on the bench that I was going to come on and I was going to win it. And it fell to me.”
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised his players’ resilience after another dramatic comeback secured a place in the World Cup final. “No words, no words. A joy for our country, for our people,” Scaloni said. “The other day, I said this group never stops surprising me. And I’ll tell you the truth, we’re going to try to win, we’re going to leave everything out there, but after this it’s very difficult to get people to understand what these players are showing. It’s incredible. We are unique, truly, and it’s not arrogance, it’s from the heart. We are unique. These people today carried us to win the match, so I’m grateful.”
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The victory also produced several milestones. At 39 years and 21 days old, Messi became the oldest outfield player to appear in a World Cup semifinal, surpassing the record jointly held by Fritz Walter and Gunnar Gren. Harry Kane made his 121st appearance for England, setting a new record for an outfield player with the national team, while Martínez became the first Argentine substitute to score in both the quarterfinals and semifinals of the same World Cup.
Argentina will now face Spain in Sunday’s final as Lionel Scaloni’s side bids to successfully defend the world title it won in Qatar four years ago.