ATLANTA, United States — Argentina staged a dramatic late comeback to beat England 2-1 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Tuesday, booking their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final with goals from Lautaro Martinez and substitute Matias Arezo in the final 10 minutes.
England took the lead in the 38th minute through a clinical finish from Harry Kane, who slotted home from a Bukayo Saka cross to send the English fans in the stadium into raptures. Kane’s strike came against the run of play, after a relentless Argentine press had dominated the opening half hour of the match.
Argentina responded with wave after wave of attack, with Lionel Scaloni’s men controlling possession and creating chances through Enzo Fernandez and Julian Alvarez. England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was called into action several times, denying Alvarez in the 63rd minute and tipping a long-range Fernandez effort around the post.
The breakthrough for Argentina finally came in the 82nd minute when Martinez rose highest to head home a corner from Angel Di Maria, sparking wild celebrations on the Argentine bench. England, who had been defending resolutely, were visibly deflated by the equaliser.
The winner arrived just three minutes later when Arezo, who had replaced Alvarez in the 70th minute, reacted quickest to a rebound after Pickford had saved from Fernandez. The 22-year-old striker’s first touch of the game proved decisive, sending Argentina to their second consecutive World Cup final and continuing their remarkable tournament run.
Argentina’s victory sets up a mouth-watering final against Norway, who defeated France in the other semi-final. Scaloni, who famously transformed Argentina’s fortunes after the 2018 World Cup, now has the opportunity to lead the team to their second straight title.
“We showed incredible character tonight. England are a fantastic team, and we knew it would be a tough battle. But this group of players never gives up,” Scaloni said after the match. “We deserve to be in the final, and we will give everything to bring the trophy back home.”
England coach Thomas Tuchel expressed disappointment at his team’s collapse but praised their overall tournament performance. “It’s a painful way to lose, but I can’t fault my players’ effort. They gave everything, and we’ll learn from this experience,” he said.
Argentina will face Norway in the final, with both teams vying for their third World Cup title. For now, the Albiceleste celebrate a stunning comeback while England are left to reflect on what might have been.
