Argentina have reached the 2026 World Cup final after a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England in the semi-final, setting up a showdown with Spain on Sunday.
Lionel Messi played a decisive role in the win, creating both goals as the defending champions recovered from a goal down to keep their hopes of back-to-back World Cup titles alive.
England took the lead through Anthony Gordon in the 55th minute, but Argentina responded through Enzo Fernandez, who scored a long-range equaliser after a pass from Messi.
Substitute Lautaro Martinez then completed the comeback in stoppage time, heading in another Messi assist to send Argentina into the final.
The victory marked another standout performance from Messi, who at 39 continues to be central to Argentina’s title challenge. The forward has scored eight goals and provided four assists at the tournament, remaining among the leading contenders for the Golden Boot.
Messi described the match against England as special because of the historic rivalry between the two nations, which includes the long-running dispute over the Falkland Islands.
After the final whistle, some Argentina players displayed a banner supporting their claim over the Falkland Islands, despite FIFA rules prohibiting political symbols during matches.
England, who were seeking their first World Cup final appearance in 60 years, were left disappointed after coach Thomas Tuchel’s tactical changes failed to contain Argentina’s late pressure.
Tuchel defended his decision to introduce defensive players after taking the lead, saying the team gave everything and came close to reaching the final.
“We were very, very close. The team gave everything,” Tuchel said.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised his players’ resilience, saying the team would give everything in the final against Spain.
The final will see a clash between South American champions Argentina and European champions Spain, who defeated France 2-0 in the other semi-final.
Argentina are aiming to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive World Cup titles.
