Argentina have booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after coming from behind to defeat England 2-1 in an absorbing semifinal at Atlanta Stadium.
The defending champions recovered from a second-half deficit to extend their unbeaten run in the tournament and move within one victory of retaining the World Cup trophy they won in Qatar four years ago.
England took the lead in the 55th minute through Anthony Gordon, whose finish gave the Three Lions hope of reaching their first World Cup final since 1966.
Argentina responded with determination and eventually found an equaliser 30 minutes later when Enzo Fernández fired home to bring Lionel Scaloni’s side back into the contest.
With extra time looming, Argentina delivered the decisive blow deep into stoppage time. Lionel Messi produced a pinpoint cross into the penalty area, where Lautaro Martínez rose highest to head the ball past the England goalkeeper and complete a dramatic turnaround.
The late winner sparked celebrations among the Argentine players and supporters as the reigning world champions secured another memorable victory on the biggest stage.
The result sends Argentina into Sunday’s World Cup final, where they will face Spain. The Spaniards earned their place in the championship match after defeating France 2-0 in the other semifinal.
England will now meet France in the third-place playoff after seeing their hopes of winning a second World Cup title come to an end.
Argentina will enter the final full of confidence as they aim to become back-to-back world champions and add another chapter to one of the nation’s greatest eras in international football under Lionel Scaloni.
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