Argentina stun England with late rally to storm into FIFA World Cup 2026 final

England looked on course for their first World Cup final appearance in six decades after Anthony Gordon gave them the lead in the second half.

However, Argentina turned the match around in the closing stages through Enzo Fernández and Lisandro Martínez, with Lionel Messi providing assists for both goals.

The victory sends Lionel Scaloni's side into their seventh FIFA World Cup final and leaves them one win away from successfully defending their world title.

England take control after a tense opening

The semi-final began cautiously as both sides struggled to create clear opportunities during a tightly contested first half.

England registered the first meaningful effort in the 33rd minute when John Stones headed Declan Rice's free-kick wide of the target.

Argentina responded through Enzo Fernández, whose powerful effort sailed over the crossbar.

Soon after the restart, Julian Alvarez threatened by racing beyond Djed Spence following a long pass, but England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford reacted quickly to make an important save at his near post.

England eventually broke the deadlock in the 55th minute.

Photo: FIFA.com

Morgan Rogers delivered a low cross from the right flank, and Anthony Gordon timed his run perfectly to steer a composed finish beyond Emiliano Martínez after getting ahead of Nahuel Molina.

Argentina respond with late surge

As England retreated deeper to protect their advantage, Argentina steadily increased the pressure.

Djed Spence produced a crucial goal-saving challenge to deny Giuliano Simeone, while Pickford made another fine save to keep out substitute Nico Gonzalez's header.

Alexis Mac Allister also struck the post as Argentina searched for an equaliser.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 85th minute.

Following a short-corner routine, Lionel Messi squared the ball to Enzo Fernández, who unleashed a powerful long-range strike that beat Pickford to level the contest.

Argentina completed the turnaround in stoppage time.

After Mac Allister's effort rebounded off the post, Messi recovered possession and delivered a precise cross into the box.

Lisandro Martinez met it with a clinical finish to seal a dramatic victory.

Photo: FIFA.com

Argentina to face Spain in Sunday's final

The win sets up a highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain.

Spain secured their place in the championship match after defeating France 2-0 in the other semi-final, ensuring Sunday's showdown will feature the reigning world champions against the European champions.

England, meanwhile, will compete in the third-place play-off.

Messi, Argentina achieve new milestones

The semi-final also produced several notable records.

At 39 years and 21 days, Lionel Messi became the oldest outfield player to appear in a FIFA World Cup semi-final, surpassing the previous record jointly held by Fritz Walter and Gunnar Gren, who were both 37 years and 236 days during the 1958 tournament.

England captain Harry Kane earned his 121st international appearance, becoming the Three Lions' most-capped outfield player.

Match-winner Lisandro Martínez continued his impressive impact from the bench, having also scored as a substitute in Argentina's quarter-final victory.

The match featured seven players aged 32 or older among the starting line-ups, setting a new record for a FIFA World Cup semi-final.

The previous highest tally was six, recorded during the 2006 semi-final between France and Portugal.