Argentina fight back to beat England and reach World Cup final - Milliyet
Milliyet AppUygulamayı AçWebWeb'de Devam Et ENArgentina fight back to beat England and reach World Cup finalNewsArgentina Fight Back To Beat England And Reach World Cup FinalArgentina fight back to beat England and reach World Cup final16.07.2026 - 01:33 | Last Updated: 16.07.2026 - 01:33
Argentina secured a dramatic place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after staging a late comeback to beat England 2-1 in the semifinal in Atlanta.
The victory sets up a blockbuster final against Spain, who defeated France 2-0 in the other semifinal. The World Cup final will be played in New York on Sunday, July 19.
The first half offered few clear-cut chances as both teams struggled to establish control and create meaningful opportunities.
England broke the deadlock in the 55th minute. Morgan Rogers won possession on the right flank before delivering a cross to the far post, where Anthony Gordon struck the ball first time to put the Three Lions ahead.
Argentina responded by increasing the pressure. In the 69th minute, Lionel Messi picked out Nicolás González with a cross into the six-yard box, but England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford produced a crucial save before the defense cleared the danger.
Seven minutes later, Alexis Mac Allister came close to equalising when his header from Rodrigo De Paul's cross struck the post.
Argentina finally found the breakthrough in the 85th minute. Messi set up Enzo Fernández on the edge of the penalty area, and the midfielder drilled a powerful shot into the far corner to level the score.
With extra time looming, Argentina completed the comeback in stoppage time. Messi delivered another dangerous cross from the right wing, and Lautaro Martínez rose highest to head home the winner in the 90+2nd minute.
The victory sends Argentina into the World Cup final, where they will meet Spain in a clash between two of the tournament's standout teams, while England will face France in the third-place playoff.
