Argentina defeats England 2-1 in World Cup semi-final with a dramatic late double

By Lucy Davalou Published on 16/07/2026 - 6:28 GMT+2 Share Comments Add Euronews on Google Share Facebook Twitter Flipboard Send Reddit Linkedin Messenger Telegram VK Bluesky Threads Whatsapp The defending champions' victory means they will face Spain, who defeated France on Tuesday, in Sunday's final in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Argentina reaches the World Cup final after beating England 2-1 in Atlanta on Wednesday. Once again Argentina made its comeback near the end of the game as going into the 85th minute England was still leading 1-0. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Argentina's goals was scored by Enzo Fernandez at the 85th minute of the game, while Lautaro Martinez's goal followed in overtime at 90+2th minute. “I dreamed it, I swear. I told Alexis (Mac Allister) that I was going to score. I told him that I was going to come on and I was going to win it," Martinez said. "I can tell you this team keeps showing what it’s made of.” Argentina's Lionel Messi (10) and England's Harry Kane (9) embrace after the World Cup semifinal between England and Argentina in Atlanta, Wednesday, 15/07/2026. Erik S.Lesser Anadolu Meanwhile, England's Anthony's Gordon had scored at the 55th minute as captain Harry Kane said, “We worked so hard to be here. The lads have given every bit of blood, sweat and tears. To fall short like we did is just gutting". The defending champions' victory means they will face Spain, who defeated France on Tuesday, in Sunday's final in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The English were hanging on as the game wore on. England goalkeeper Jordon Pickford made vital saves while Mac Allister sent a header off the post as wave after wave of Argentina attacks came. On the other side, Argentine star Lionel Messi fed the ball to Fernandez to sweep in the equaliser from outside the box in the 85th minute. And two minutes into stoppage time, Messi sent in a cross for Martinez to head in the winner. The South American team always seem to find a way to come back, as seen in matches against Cape Verde to Egypt. On Wednesday, England coach Thomas Tuchel's substitutions seemed to be more intent on holding on, rather than killing the game off with another goal. “Argentina played with more risk, played with more rhythm, played with the feeling maybe that they have nothing to lose anymore, which freed them up and held us back because we played suddenly with a feeling that we have a lot to lose,” Tuchel said. Argentina already holds three World Cup titles, having won in 1978, 1986 and, most recently, in 2022, when it defeated France in a penalty shootout. Go to accessibility shortcuts Share Comments Add Euronews on Google Read more FIFA adds Tom Cruise, Jennifer Hudson and Robbie Williams to World Cup closing ceremony Spain spoil Bastille Day party by beating France 2-0 to reach World Cup final French and Spanish fans pack Texas streets ahead World Cup semi-final World News Football World Cup 2026