News · Sport · Published 16 July 2026
Argentina turn England over late to reach World Cup final
DailySweden Editorial Desk
Updated 00:44 · 2 min read
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Argentina scored twice in the closing minutes to beat England 2–1 in Atlanta and reach a second consecutive World Cup final, with Lionel Messi creating both goals.
Anthony Gordon gave England the lead in the 55th minute after meeting Morgan Rogers’s cross. England then retreated as Argentina increased the pressure: Jordan Pickford saved from Nicolás González, Alexis Mac Allister struck the post and Enzo Fernández forced another stop from distance.
Fernández finally levelled in the 85th minute, driving a shot from outside the area after Messi found him from a short corner. With the match moving towards extra time, Messi crossed from the right and substitute Lautaro Martínez headed the winner at the back post in stoppage time.
England captain Harry Kane said his side had tried to hold on after going ahead and acknowledged that the approach was not enough at this level. Thomas Tuchel had replaced scorer Gordon with defender Ezri Konsa before later sending on Dan Burn and Nico O’Reilly for Declan Rice and Reece James.
Argentina will face Spain in Sunday’s final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with the defending champions seeking to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to retain the men’s World Cup. England will play France for third place in Miami on Saturday.
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