July 15, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.; Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez celebrates scoring their first goal with Lionel Messi. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images ATLANTA — Argentina secured their place in the World Cup final with a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over England at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday afternoon, driven by a late surge from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez.
The defending champions turned the tide in the closing stages of the match. In the 85th minute, Fernandez converted a clinical finish into the left corner following an assist from Lionel Messi, capitalizing on a previous attempt that had been deflected by England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. Moments into extra time, Martinez headed home a Messi pass to seal the victory and complete the comeback.
Argentina will face Spain this Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey, as they seek their fourth World Cup title.
Messi continued his tournament dominance, tallying eight goals and four assists so far this World Cup, bringing his career tournament assist total to a record 12.
For much of the match, it appeared England was on the verge of claiming their first World Cup trophy in decades. The Three Lions took the lead in the 55th minute through Anthony Gordon, who finished a brilliant setup by Morgan Rogers following a pass from Declan Rice.
England’s defensive effort was bolstered by a standout tackle from Djed Spence, who managed to dislodge the ball from Giuliano Simeone during a high-stakes moment inside the box.
Jordan Pickford kept England in the lead for much of the match, including a crucial diving save in the 70th minute and a near-miss deflection during a dangerous 76th-minute strike by Alexis Mac Allister.
Argentina pressured relentlessly in the second half. Julian Alvarez had two opportunities early after the restart, though both were unsuccessful. Lionel Messi also threatened late in the first half, though the match remained a scoreless stalemate until the decisive late goals.
The contest was physically intense from the opening minutes, with referee Ismail Elfath managing several heated exchanges between the players. England struggled to maintain momentum, finishing the match with five attempts on goal compared to Argentina’s 15.
In the third-place match in Miami this Saturday, England will face France. Meanwhile, Spain enters the final with a 37-match unbeaten streak, looking to secure their second World Cup title.
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