Atlanta — Argentina pulled off another stunning comeback to defeat England 2-1 on Wednesday, securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup final against Spain.
Trailing 1-0 from the 55th minute after Anthony Gordon scored England’s only shot on target, Argentina turned the game around in seven minutes. Enzo Fernández equalized with a long-range strike in the 85th minute, and Lautaro Martínez headed home the winner in second-half stoppage time (90+2′).
Lionel Messi played a key role in both goals, providing the assist for Fernández and then crossing with his right foot for Martínez’s header. The Argentine captain will now play in his third World Cup final, equaling Brazil’s Cafú for the most final appearances. Messi lost the 2014 final to Germany and won in 2022 against France.
England, seeking its first final since 1966, will face France in the third-place match on Saturday in Miami.
Argentina will defend its title against Spain on Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. A win would make Argentina the first team to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.
