World Cup 2026 Argentina Beat England 2-1 to Reach the Final

ARGENTINA · WORLD CUP

Two late goals created by Lionel Messi turned the tie on its head as Argentina came from behind to beat England and reach the World Cup final.

World Cup 2026 Argentina strike late again

Argentina produced another dramatic late comeback to beat England 2-1 in Atlanta and reach the World Cup final. The holders had trailed with time running out.

Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez struck in the closing stages to turn the tie around. Lionel Messi created both goals.

It sets up a mouth-watering final against Spain. Argentina are one win from retaining their crown.

Once again the champions had refused to accept defeat. Their belief in the closing minutes proved decisive.

Gordon puts England ahead

England took the lead in the 55th minute through Anthony Gordon. He tapped home a Morgan Rogers cross in transition.

The goal rewarded a disciplined English game plan. England looked set to frustrate the champions.

For long spells the lead looked like it might hold. Argentina struggled to break down a well-organised England.

England sat deep and looked to protect their advantage. Their approach frustrated Argentina and drew criticism for its caution.

Argentina kept probing without finding a clear opening. The champions needed a spark to change the game.

Enzo Fernández levels

Argentina drew level in the 85th minute through Enzo Fernández. He unleashed a long-range strike to beat the England goalkeeper.

Messi was the architect once more with the assist. His vision unlocked a game that had been drifting away.

The equaliser shifted the momentum sharply in Argentina’s favour. England were suddenly on the back foot.

The strike knocked the belief out of an England side that had defended so well. From a position of control they were now hanging on.

Lautaro wins it at the death

The winner arrived in the 92nd minute through Lautaro Martínez. He headed home from another Messi delivery.

The goal sparked wild celebrations among the Argentine players and supporters. England had no time to respond.

It was a cruel way for England to lose after leading so late. Argentina, though, had found a way once again.

The two goals in seven minutes summed up Argentina’s ruthlessness. They have repeatedly punished opponents in the closing stages of this tournament.

The numbers behind the comeback

According to FIFA’s official match centre, Argentina found their breakthrough only in the closing stages. England had defended their lead well until the final ten minutes.

By The Rio Times’ reading, Messi’s influence on this tournament remains extraordinary. He created both goals to drag Argentina through another tight knockout tie.

Argentina have now won several matches with late drama in this run. That habit is the mark of a side built to win tournaments.

Time and again they have found answers when matches looked to be slipping away. It is a quality that separates champions from the rest.

A final to savour

Argentina advance to a second consecutive World Cup final. They will face Spain in New Jersey on Sunday.

Spain reached the final by beating France in the other semi. It promises to be a fitting climax to the tournament.

Two of the game’s most storied footballing nations will contest the title. Both arrive in form and full of belief.

Why it matters

Argentina are 90 minutes from retaining their world title. Reaching the final keeps a golden era firmly alive.

A victory on Sunday would place this side among the greatest in the country’s history. Few teams have ever defended a World Cup crown.

For England, another semi-final defeat is a bitter blow. Their long wait for a major men’s trophy goes on.

Coming so close only to fall late will haunt England for some time. The manner of the defeat will invite hard questions about their approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the score in World Cup 2026 Argentina vs England?

Argentina won 2-1 in Atlanta. Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez scored late after Anthony Gordon had put England ahead.

What did Messi do?

Messi assisted both of Argentina’s goals. He was again the creative force behind a late turnaround.

When did Argentina score?

Enzo Fernández equalised in the 85th minute and Lautaro Martínez won it in the 92nd. Both goals came from Messi assists.

Have Argentina reached the final?

Yes. The win sent the holders into a second consecutive World Cup final.

Who do Argentina play in the final?

Argentina face Spain in the final. The match is in New Jersey on Sunday.