Defending champions Argentina are one win away from retaining the FIFA World Cup after staging a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England in the semifinal.
Lionel Scaloni’s side recovered from a second-half deficit in Atlanta, with late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez booking Argentina’s place in a second successive World Cup final, where they will face Spain.
Argentina complete stunning comeback against England
Argentina were pushed to the brink after Anthony Gordon gave England the lead in the 55th minute following a goalless first half.
However, the defending champions produced another late comeback to keep their title defence alive.
Enzo Fernandez equalised in the 85th minute with a long-range strike before Lionel Messi produced a trademark cross deep into stoppage time for Lautaro Martinez to head home the winner in the 90+2nd minute.
The victory secured Argentina’s place in the FIFA World Cup final for the second consecutive tournament.
Argentina’s road to the FIFA World Cup 2026 final
Argentina have won all four of their knockout matches without requiring extra time or a penalty shootout, scoring 11 goals along the way.
| Stage | Opponent | Result | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round of 32 | Cabo Verde | Won 3-2 | Miami Stadium |
| Round of 16 | Egypt | Won 3-2 | Atlanta Stadium |
| Quarterfinal | Switzerland | Won 3-1 | Kansas City Stadium |
| Semifinal | England | Won 2-1 | Atlanta Stadium |
Key records from Argentina FIFA World Cup 2026 run
- Argentina have reached consecutive FIFA World Cup finals for the first time since 2014 and 2022.
- Lionel Scaloni’s side have scored 11 goals in four knockout matches.
- Argentina have won every knockout match in regulation time.
- Lionel Messi has now scored or assisted in 13 consecutive matches for club and country.
- Messi completed nine successful dribbles against England – equalling his highest tally in a World Cup match (also achieved against Iceland in 2018 and Germany in 2010).
- At 39 years old, Messi ran 5.2 miles against England – his highest distance covered in a World Cup match that did not go to extra time.
Argentina set up blockbuster final against Spain
Argentina will now meet Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final after the European champions defeated France 2-0 in the other semifinal.
Spain are chasing their second World Cup title, while Argentina are aiming to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the men’s FIFA World Cup.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Final
- Match: Spain vs Argentina
- Date: Monday, July 20
- Time: 12:30 AM IST
- Venue: New York New Jersey Stadium
Story first published: Thursday, July 16, 2026, 12:20 [IST]
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