WORLD CUP 2026: Argentina mount late epic comeback to dump England out
Reigning world champions Argentina staged a dramatic late comeback on Wednesday night, scoring two quick-fire goals to secure a 2-1 victory over England in a thrilling semi-final clash, setting up a blockbuster World Cup final against Spain.
Just when England looked set to book a place in the final following Anthony Gordon’s second-half opener, the South American giants mounted a relentless late assault. Enzo Fernandez hit the equaliser before substitute Lautaro Martinez sealed the dramatic turnaround in the 92nd minute—with the legendary Lionel Messi pulling the strings for both goals.
The high-stakes encounter added yet another unforgettable chapter to one of international football’s most fierce and historically tense rivalries.
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For England, dreams of reaching their first World Cup final since their lonely triumph in 1966 were brutally dashed in the dying minutes. Meanwhile, Argentina’s victory keeps alive the fairy-tale quest for 39-year-old Messi to bow out of what is expected to be his final World Cup with the ultimate prize.
How the twist unfolded
The three-time world champions looked down and out after England broke the deadlock in the 55th minute. A botched clearance by Argentina’s Nicolas Tagliafico fell to Declan Rice, who smartly picked out Morgan Rogers. Rogers then floated a precise cross to the back post, allowing Anthony Gordon to cushion the ball past goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, sending the English fans into raptures.
However, Thomas Tuchel’s side made the fatal mistake of retreating into their own half to defend the slim lead, inviting waves of relentless pressure from the Albiceleste.
The breakthrough finally came in the 85th minute. Messi found Fernandez with precise space on the edge of the box, and the midfielder unleashed a brilliant 20-metre strike past Jordan Pickford into the bottom corner.
With the game seemingly heading for extra time, Argentina struck the killer blow two minutes into stoppage time. Alexis Mac Allister’s driving effort crashed off the post, but an evergreen Messi reacted quickest to recover the ball. The talismanic captain drove down the right flank before delivering a sublime cross for Lautaro Martinez—who had only come on in the 81st minute—to powerfully head home the winner.
Scaloni hails fighting spirit
Speaking after the emotional victory, an ecstatic Argentina manager, Lionel Scaloni, praised his players’ resilience.
”We are truly unique, and that’s not arrogance. From the bottom of my heart, these players led us to victory. I’m lost for words. A joy for our country, for our people.”
Match-winner Lautaro Martinez could barely hide his emotions after the final whistle:
”This is really emotional. The first time my dad bought me a pair of boots, I always dreamed of scoring this goal. It was really tough today, but this team continues to show what it’s made of.”
Heartbreak for Three Lions
For England, the defeat is a bitter pill to swallow after matching the world champions toe-to-toe for the majority of the encounter.
A gutted England captain, Harry Kane, lamented his side’s tactical retreat after taking the lead.
”We played a good game for the large majority of it. Once we went 1-0 up, we seemed to just try and hold on. At this level, it’s not enough,” Kane said. “Gutted because we’ve worked so hard to be here… to fall short like we did today, just gutted.”
Despite the heartbreaking exit, England manager Thomas Tuchel insisted he had no regrets about his team’s performance.
”The team gave everything and we were very, very close,” the German tactician said. “The team was top, we couldn’t bring it over the line, no, (but) at the moment no regrets.”
A hostile atmosphere in Atlanta
The match lived up to its billing both on and off the pitch. Argentina’s passionate supporters completely outnumbered their English counterparts inside Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, turning the American arena into a hostile sea of sky blue and white.
Fierce tackles and heated exchanges dominated a tense first half, but it was Argentina’s late-game heroics and tactical superiority that ultimately won the night.
Argentina will now face Spain in the highly anticipated World Cup final on Sunday, while England face the agonizing journey back home.
