World Cup 2026 | England 1 - 2 Argentina
England were left heartbroken as their World Cup dream came to an agonising end
Argentina scoring twice in the closing stages to complete a dramatic semi-final comeback in Atlanta.
Author | George B
Stadium | Atlanta Stadium
Thomas Tuchel's side appeared destined for their first men's World Cup final since lifting the trophy in 1966 when Anthony Gordon put them ahead in a fiercely contested encounter after 55 minutes.
But Argentina found another gear in the closing moments. Enzo Fernandez curled home a superb equaliser five minutes from time before Lautaro Martinez headed in Lionel Messi's cross deep into stoppage time to complete a remarkable turnaround.
England's wait for major tournament success therefore continues. They will now face France in the third-place play-off, while Argentina will attempt to defend their World Cup title against Spain on Sunday.
The intense atmosphere inside and outside Atlanta Stadium was reflected by a combative first half featuring 19 fouls, with American referee Ismail Elfath struggling to maintain control.
Fernandez came closest before the interval with a powerful effort that drifted narrowly wide, but it was England who struck first. Morgan Rogers justified his selection by delivering an inviting cross from the right, allowing Gordon to finish at the far post.
Argentina responded immediately and Jordan Pickford produced an outstanding reflex save to deny Nico Gonzalez's close-range header.
England then found themselves under sustained pressure. Alexis Mac Allister headed against the post before Fernandez finally beat the outstanding Pickford with a brilliant 25-yard strike five minutes from the end.
Tuchel had set England up with four central defenders to protect the penalty area, but Argentina's relentless pressure eventually told. Mac Allister struck the woodwork again before England finally gave way in the 92nd minute, when Martinez rose to head home and send Argentina into another World Cup final.
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