Argentina are in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final in the most dramatic scenario possible, scoring two goals in the last seven minutes to upset England 2-1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Wednesday afternoon. Argentina Beat England World Cup 2026
In another dramatic late comeback from the defending champions, Lionel Messi created both goals for Enzo Fernandez to equalise with a magnificent long-range drive in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martinez headed home from Messi’s cross in stoppage time to break English hearts.
Argentina take on Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday, July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, their second final in a row and a match that sees Messi take on Lamine Yamal for the first time in their lives.
The Match Drama from Beginning to End
The opening half saw hardly any shots from either side. England and Argentina failed to register an attempt in the first half hour, the first time both teams have failed to register a shot in the opening half hour of a game since the first World Cup to be aired live in 1966.
The match exploded into life in the 55th minute when Anthony Gordon slammed England in front after being picked up by Morgan Rogers’ excellent pass in transition. The goal brought the massive England contingent inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium into raptures and looked to set the Three Lions on their way to their first World Cup final since 1966.
Argentina promptly stepped up the pressure after going behind. Mac Allister watched a powerful header smash against the inside of the post, while Messi created chance after chance that England’s goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and backline somehow kept out.
The Comeback Messi Writes More History
Fernandez, five minutes before the hour, took the ball over the edge of the box and sent in a fantastic finish into the far corner past a diving Pickford to level it 1-1. It was the consequence of continuous Argentina pressure that had statistically controlled the entire second half.
Then, in the fourth minute of stoppage time, Messi went to the byline and produced a wonderful cross that Lautaro headed strongly at the near post and headed strongly. The goal drove every Argentine player and supporter into hysteria, confirming yet another stunning comeback from Scaloni’s amazing side.
The full-time whistle moments later sealed one of the most spectacular endings in World Cup semifinal history, Argentina making their second straight final after once more coming from behind to win in the closing stages.
The Architect Again
Lionel Messi did not score a goal on Wednesday but was once more the decisive factor in the result of the encounter. His two assists took his tournament tally to 10 goal contributions in seven matches: nine goals and one assist, making him the player most directly responsible for Argentina’s continuing presence in this World Cup. Argentina Beat England World Cup 2026
The 39-year-old has an ability to conjure moments of decisive quality in the highest-pressure scenarios of knockout football that has no equal in the sport. That he made match-winning contributions against England in his first competitive match against them in 21 years adds another dimension of incredible significance to what has been the defining individual World Cup campaign of all time.
England’s 60-year agony continues.
The result means England’s hunt for a second World Cup championship goes on to at least 64 years. Tuchel’s team had performed brilliantly throughout the tournament, reaching the semifinal for the fourth time in five major events, but were undone by the persistent pressure and individual brilliance that has marked Argentina’s whole tournament run.
Jude Bellingham, who had been the key player in four of England’s last six games, struggled to break down Argentina’s well-organised defence. Harry Kane failed to score in the knockout rounds beyond the Round of 32, leaving England’s most devastating weapons neutralized by Scaloni’s tactical setup.
England meet France in the third-place playoff on Saturday, July 18, with the final on Sunday.
Spain vs Argentina The Final
Argentina now play Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday, July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Kickoff is set at 3 p.m. ET.
The match sets up a number of extraordinary individual tales. Messi v Lamine Yamal: The man who looked after Yamal as a newborn baby in Barcelona meets the adolescent who has become the tournament’s most exciting young talent on the world’s largest stage. The reigning champions against the squad who broke France’s unbeaten streak.
Argentina are hoping to become the first team to defend the World Cup since Brazil in 1962, an accomplishment that would establish this generation of Argentina stars among football’s all-time greats. Argentina Beat England World Cup 2026
Final Score: England 1-2 Argentina
Goals: Gordon 55’ (ENG), Fernandez 85’ (ARG), Martinez L. 90+4’ (ARG)
Messi helps on both Argentina goals
Location: Atlanta, Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Next: World Cup Argentina v Spain
Final Sunday, July 19, 3 p.m. ET MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J.
USANewsPoint.blog is your source for World Cup 2026 news. Follow along as Argentina gets ready to meet Spain in the World Cup final!
Read Also: Spain Beat France World Cup 2026
Sarah Williams is a sports news reporter covering all major American sports including NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL. With 4 years of experience in sports journalism, Sarah specializes in breaking news, trending stories, and exclusive sports updates. Her fast-paced reporting style keeps sports fans informed and engaged. Sarah is a core member of the USA News Point editorial team.
