Argentina stuns England with late comeback to reach World Cup final

Argentina stuns England with late comeback to reach World Cup final
Argentina millisinin futbolçusu Lionel Messi İngiltərə–Argentina matçından sonra qələbəni qeyd edir. Atlanta stadionu, Atlanta, Corciya, ABŞ, 15 iyul 2026-cı il.
Reuters/Brett Davis

Defending champions Argentina came from behind with two late goals to beat England 2-1 on Wednesday, booking their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final where they will face Spain.

England looked set to reach their first World Cup final since 1966 after Anthony Gordon gave Thomas Tuchel's side the lead in the 55th minute, finishing from Morgan Rogers' low cross.

Argentina gradually took control as England dropped deeper and found an equaliser five minutes from time when Lionel Messi squared the ball to Enzo Fernandez, who fired a powerful strike past Jordan Pickford from outside the box.

The holders completed the comeback in stoppage time after Alexis Mac Allister's shot struck the post. Messi kept the move alive and delivered a cross to the far post, where substitute Lautaro Martinez headed home the winner.

The victory sends Lionel Scaloni's side into a seventh World Cup final and leaves Argentina one win away from retaining the trophy.

Messi was named Player of the Match after providing both assists and becoming the oldest outfield player to appear in a World Cup semi-final at 39 years and 21 days.

"This group never stops surprising me," Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said. "We're going to try to win the final and give everything we have."

Argentina will face Spain in Sunday's final in New York New Jersey, while England's wait for a first World Cup title since 1966 continues.

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