Atlanta:(PNP)Argentina produced a sensational late comeback to defeat England 2-1 in the second semifinal of the FIFA World Cup 2026, securing a place in the final for the second consecutive time and ending England’s hopes of reaching their first men’s World Cup final since 1966.
In the thrilling encounter in Atlanta, Thomas Tuchel’s England appeared on course to reach their first World Cup final in six decades. However, Argentina turned the game around in the closing minutes with a remarkable display of resilience.
The first half was fiercely contested, with both teams playing aggressively. A total of 19 fouls were committed before halftime, leaving American referee Ismail Elfath struggling to keep the match under control.
Argentina came closest to scoring in the opening half when Enzo Fernández unleashed a powerful long-range effort that narrowly missed the target. Despite several attacking moves, both sides went into the break goalless.
England broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when Morgan Rogers delivered an excellent cross from the right, allowing Anthony Gordon to fire home at the far post and give the Three Lions a 1-0 lead.
Argentina immediately stepped up the pressure. Nicolás González saw his powerful header brilliantly denied by England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, while Alexis Mac Allister struck the post with a header.
The breakthrough finally came in the 85th minute when Lionel Messi set up Enzo Fernández, who unleashed a superb strike from around 25 yards to level the score at 1-1.
Argentina continued to dominate after the equalizer. Mac Allister hit the woodwork once again before the decisive moment arrived in second-half stoppage time (90+2). Messi delivered a pinpoint cross that was met by Lautaro Martínez, whose powerful header found the net to complete a dramatic 2-1 victory for the reigning champions.
With the win, Argentina booked their place in the FIFA World Cup final for the second tournament in a row, where they will face Spain on Sunday. England, meanwhile, will take on France in the third-place playoff.
Argentina’s breathtaking late comeback, highlighted by Enzo Fernández’s stunning equalizer, Lionel Messi’s decisive assist, and Lautaro Martínez’s match-winning header, provided fans with one of the most memorable World Cup semifinals in recent history.
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