GUWAHATI: Argentina produced a remarkable late comeback to defeat England 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday, July 15, booking their place in Sunday's final against Spain.
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The defending champions appeared headed for elimination after England took the lead in the second half through Anthony Gordon and held the advantage deep into the closing stages of the match.
Argentina, however, turned the game around in dramatic fashion. Midfielder Enzo Fernández restored parity in the 85th minute with a powerful strike from outside the box after being set up by Lionel Messi.
Messi then played a decisive role once again in stoppage time. The Argentina captain delivered a cross to the far post, where substitute Lautaro Martínez headed home the winner in the second minute of added time, sealing a 2-1 victory.
The semifinal added another memorable chapter to the historic rivalry between Argentina and England, with the South American side snatching victory through two late goals.
Argentina will now face European champions Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on Sunday at New York New Jersey Stadium. The match will determine whether Argentina can become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title.
Messi is also set to make history by becoming only the second player, after Brazil's Cafu, to appear in three FIFA World Cup finals.
England, meanwhile, will take on France in the third-place playoff on Saturday in Miami Gardens, Florida.