By Sabiu Abdullahi
Argentina produced a dramatic late comeback to beat England 2-1 on Wednesday night and book a place in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will face Spain.
England looked set for victory after Anthony Gordon broke the deadlock in the 55th minute at the Atlanta Stadium. However, the defending champions struck twice in the closing stages to overturn the result.
The first half produced few clear scoring opportunities as both teams battled for control in midfield. The game was frequently interrupted by fouls, and both Elliot Anderson of England and Argentina’s Lisandro Martínez received yellow cards before the break.
The match came alive in the second half when Gordon finished off a swift attacking move to give England the lead. Shortly afterwards, England manager Thomas Tuchel introduced defender Ezri Konsa in a bid to protect the advantage.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni responded with attacking substitutions. Rodrigo De Paul and Lautaro Martínez entered the match as Argentina increased the pressure in search of an equaliser.
The breakthrough arrived in the 85th minute when Enzo Fernández fired a powerful shot beyond goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to level the score.
Argentina completed the comeback two minutes into stoppage time. Lionel Messi created space before delivering a precise cross into the penalty area. Lautaro Martínez met the ball with a powerful header that beat Pickford and sealed Argentina’s place in the final.
Tuchel introduced Marcus Rashford and Ivan Toney in the closing moments as England searched for an equaliser, but Argentina held on to secure victory and qualify for a second consecutive World Cup final.
Argentina will now take on Spain in Sunday’s final as they seek to retain the World Cup title.
