Argentina booked their place in the 2026 World Cup final by beating England 2-1 in the semifinal played on 15 July 2026 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The holders came from behind, with Enzo Fernández equalising in the 85th minute and Lautaro Martínez heading a stoppage-time winner after Anthony Gordon had given England the lead.
Thomas Tuchel's England went ahead shortly after the break through Gordon, raising hopes of a first World Cup final since 1966. But with five minutes of normal time left, Lionel Scaloni's side turned the game around with two goals in seven minutes. Fernández levelled with a fine strike from distance, and substitute Martínez then headed in the decider from a Lionel Messi cross.
The Argentina captain was involved in both goals, setting up the comeback that sends his country into a final against Spain on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey. For England, runners-up in the last two European Championships, it was yet another defeat at the business end of a major tournament. Tuchel, questioned over defensive changes that saw England drop to 12 per cent possession after going ahead, said he had no regrets and intends to stay in charge for Euro 2028. England will meet France in Saturday's third-place play-off in Miami.
