England 1-2 Argentina: Messi Inspires Dramatic Comeback to Send Defending Champions into FIFA World Cup 2026 Final
Argentina produced a stunning late comeback to defeat England 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal at Atlanta Stadium, booking their place in the final against Spain.
90+8′ England launch one final hopeful attack as Jordan Pickford sends a long ball forward, but it sails beyond every England player. Emiliano Martinez calmly gathers the ball and stays down to run precious seconds off the clock, with Argentina now moments away from the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final.
90+6′ 🔄 England Double Substitution
Thomas Tuchel makes his final changes in desperation. Marcus Rashford replaces the outstanding Djed Spence, while Ivan Toney comes on for John Stones as England throw extra attackers forward in search of a dramatic equaliser.
90+4′ 🟨 Yellow Card – Rodrigo De Paul (Argentina) Rodrigo De Paul is shown a yellow card after clashing with Jude Bellingham during a heated confrontation as England attempt to restart play quickly.
90+2′ ⚽ GOAL! Argentina 2-1 England – Lautaro Martinez
Argentina complete a stunning comeback! Moments after Alexis Mac Allister strikes the post, Lionel Messi collects the loose ball and produces another sublime chipped cross into the penalty area. Lautaro Martinez rises highest to power a header beyond Jordan Pickford, sending the Argentina fans into wild celebrations and putting the defending champions on the brink of another World Cup final.
Assist: Lionel Messi
90′ The fourth official signals nine minutes of added time, setting up a dramatic finish in Atlanta. With Argentina now full of momentum, England face a huge challenge to rescue their World Cup dream.
88′ England are struggling to cope with relentless Argentine pressure after retreating deeper following their defensive substitutions. John Stones briefly receives treatment after picking up a knock but is initially able to continue.
86′ Argentina sense victory as England are pinned inside their own half. The momentum has completely shifted, with Lionel Messi orchestrating wave after wave of attacks.
85′ ⚽ GOAL! Argentina 1-1 England – Enzo Fernandez
Argentina finally find the breakthrough their pressure deserves. After Jordan Pickford tips another long-range effort over the crossbar, the resulting attack sees Lionel Messi set up Enzo Fernandez, who curls a magnificent strike into the bottom-left corner from outside the box to level the semifinal at 1-1. Messi records yet another crucial assist as Argentina roar back into the contest.
84′ England briefly ease the pressure when Lionel Messi overhits a dangerous cross into the penalty area, allowing Jordan Pickford to watch the ball drift harmlessly behind for a goal kick. It provides a valuable moment of relief for the Three Lions.
82′ 🔄 England Double Substitution
Thomas Tuchel makes two defensive-minded changes to protect England’s lead. Nico O’Reilly replaces Declan Rice in midfield, while towering defender Dan Burn comes on for Reece James to help deal with Argentina’s aerial threat.
81′ 🔄 Argentina Substitution
Lionel Scaloni throws on another attacker as Lautaro Martinez replaces Nicolas Tagliafico, signalling Argentina’s all-out push for an equaliser in the closing stages.
80′ The match enters its final 10 minutes with England still leading 1-0. The Three Lions are on course for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final, but Argentina continue to pile on relentless pressure in search of a late breakthrough.
78′ England are forced deeper into their own half as Argentina dominate possession. The defending champions continue to throw bodies forward, while England defend with determination, knowing they are just minutes away from the final.
77′ Argentina go agonisingly close again! Lionel Messi clips another inviting ball into the penalty area for Nico Gonzalez, whose header drifts narrowly wide of the right post. Although the assistant referee raises the offside flag, replays suggest Gonzalez may have timed his run perfectly, giving England another huge scare.
75′ England are under sustained pressure as Argentina push numbers forward in search of an equaliser. The Three Lions are defending deep, relying on their organisation and resilience to protect their slender advantage.
76′ Off the post! Argentina come within inches of leveling the score as Rodrigo De Paul delivers a superb cross for Alexis Mac Allister, whose powerful header beats Jordan Pickford but crashes against the left post. England survive by the narrowest of margins.
73′ Play resumes following the second hydration break, with Argentina continuing to dominate possession while England look to defend their 1-0 lead and threaten on the counterattack.
72′ 🔄 Triple Argentina Change
Lionel Scaloni makes three substitutions in an attempt to spark a comeback. Rodrigo De Paul replaces Giuliano Simeone in midfield, Nicolas Otamendi comes on for the booked Lisandro Martinez, and Gonzalo Montiel replaces Nahuel Molina at right-back.
72′ 🔄 England Substitution
Thomas Tuchel responds by strengthening his defence. Goalscorer Anthony Gordon makes way for Ezri Konsa, with England switching to a more defensive setup as they look to protect their one-goal lead.
70′ The referee calls the players over for the second hydration break. England still lead 1-0 thanks to Anthony Gordon’s strike, but Argentina have taken control of the game since falling behind and are piling pressure on the Three Lions.
69′ Brilliant save from Jordan Pickford! Lionel Messi delivers another dangerous cross into the box, where substitute Nico Gonzalez powers a header towards goal. Pickford reacts brilliantly to push the effort away before England scramble the ball clear.
68′ Argentina continue to build momentum, winning another corner after Elliot Anderson deflects Nicolas Tagliafico’s cross behind. Messi’s delivery is cleared, but England are spending long periods pinned inside their own half.
66′ England almost double their advantage through Declan Rice. Harry Kane switches play to Reece James, whose cutback finds Rice on the edge of the area. The midfielder strikes first time, but Emiliano Martinez gathers comfortably.
64′ 🔄 Argentina Substitution
Lionel Scaloni makes the first substitution of the match as Nico Gonzalez replaces Leandro Paredes, with Enzo Fernandez dropping deeper into midfield as Argentina search for an equaliser.
64′ Argentina now face the challenge of breaking down a disciplined England defence after falling behind. The defending champions have recovered from difficult situations earlier in the tournament, but Thomas Tuchel’s side look comfortable protecting their advantage and will hope to replicate the resilient display that saw them eliminate Mexico in the Round of 16.
62′ England are growing in confidence after taking the lead, controlling possession and forcing Argentina to chase the game. The Three Lions look dangerous on the counterattack whenever space opens up.
61′ Anthony Gordon’s remarkable run of form for England continues. The winger has now been directly involved in six goals in his last seven international appearances (two goals, four assists) and becomes just the fourth England player to score at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, joining Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Marcus Rashford.
58′ Outstanding defending from Djed Spence! Argentina carve out one of their best opportunities as Enzo Fernandez releases Giuliano Simeone down the right. Just as the forward prepares to shoot, Spence races back to produce a perfectly timed last-ditch tackle, preserving England’s one-goal advantage.
56′ England continue to ride the momentum generated by their opening goal, while Argentina increase the tempo in search of an immediate response. The semifinal has finally burst into life after a cagey first half.
55′ ⚽ GOAL! England 1-0 Argentina – Anthony Gordon
England have the breakthrough! Harry Kane drops deep to help build the move before Declan Rice recycles possession and finds Morgan Rogers, whose superb first-time cross picks out Anthony Gordon. Timing his run perfectly behind Nahuel Molina, Gordon meets the delivery with a composed first-time finish beyond Emiliano Martinez, giving England a priceless lead in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal.
Assist: Morgan Rogers
54′ Argentina continue to push forward in search of the opening goal. Nahuel Molina finds space down the right and sends a dangerous cross into the penalty area, but Jude Bellingham tracks back superbly to clear the danger. Moments later, Leandro Paredes attempts to pick out Nicolas Tagliafico with a lofted delivery, but the cross drifts harmlessly behind for an England goal kick.
52′ England withstand another spell of Argentine pressure as both teams continue to search for the breakthrough. The tempo has increased significantly since the restart, with Argentina enjoying more possession in the opening minutes of the second half.
51′ 🟨 Yellow Card – Cristian Romero (Argentina) Cristian Romero becomes the second Argentina player to be booked after pulling back Jude Bellingham as the England midfielder looked to launch a counterattack. Referee Ismail Elfath immediately produces the yellow card, meaning both Argentine centre-backs are now playing on cautions.
51′ 🟨 Yellow Card – Cristian Romero (Argentina) Argentina defender Cristian Romero goes into the referee’s book after a late challenge, becoming the second Argentine player to receive a yellow card. The match continues to grow in intensity as both teams battle for a place in the World Cup final.
49′ The second half has exploded into life, with both sides attacking at every opportunity. England respond immediately after Argentina’s early pressure, as Djed Spence bursts beyond Nahuel Molina and whips a dangerous cross into the box, but the Argentine defence clears the danger.
47′ Argentina come within inches of taking the lead! A long ball from Emiliano Martinez is brilliantly flicked on by Giuliano Simeone into the path of Julian Alvarez, whose powerful effort forces Jordan Pickford into an excellent save at his near post. The rebound falls kindly for Alvarez again, but his follow-up shot takes a deflection behind for a corner.
46′ The second half is underway at Atlanta Stadium, with Declan Rice kicking things off for England. After a cagey first 45 minutes that produced no shots on target, both teams return knowing just one goal could secure a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final against Spain.
45+3′ HALF-TIME The first half comes to an end with England and Argentina locked at 0-0 in a tense FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal. Both sides showed plenty of intensity and physicality, but clear-cut chances were few and far between. England finished the half strongly, while Argentina looked dangerous through Lionel Messi’s creativity, setting up an intriguing second half with a place in the World Cup final against Spain at stake.
45′ The fourth official signals three minutes of added time at the end of the first half. With the match still goalless, both teams push for a late breakthrough before heading into the dressing rooms.
43′ The tempo remains high in stoppage time as England and Argentina continue to battle for every ball. Neither defence gives an inch, ensuring the deadlock remains intact heading into the interval.
42′ 🟨 Yellow Card – Lisandro Martinez (Argentina) Lisandro Martinez becomes the first Argentina player booked after pulling back Morgan Rogers, who had skipped past him in midfield. Referee Ismail Elfath shows the yellow card immediately, leaving both teams with one booking apiece before half-time.
40′ Argentina continue to threaten from set-pieces, with Lionel Messi pulling the strings around the England penalty area. The Three Lions remain organised defensively but are being forced to withstand increasing pressure.
39′ Enzo Fernandez comes agonisingly close to giving Argentina the lead. After Harry Kane blocks Messi’s effort from a cleverly worked free-kick, the loose ball falls to Fernandez, whose powerful long-range strike whistles just wide of the top-right corner.
37′ 🟨 Yellow Card – Elliot Anderson (England) Elliot Anderson becomes the first England player booked after bringing down Lionel Messi during a dangerous dribble through midfield. The foul sparks heated protests from the Argentina players, but the referee quickly restores order before awarding a promising free-kick.
35′ England enjoy their best spell of sustained pressure. Djed Spence wins possession high up the pitch before Jude Bellingham draws a foul from Nahuel Molina in a dangerous central position. Reece James joins Declan Rice over the resulting free-kick as England search for the opener.
33′ John Stones goes close to breaking the deadlock. Declan Rice delivers an inviting free-kick to the back post, where the England defender rises highest, but his header ripples the side-netting instead of finding the target.
31′ England continue to grow in confidence, with Jude Bellingham driving through midfield and forcing Argentina onto the back foot. The Three Lions are beginning to ask more questions of Lionel Scaloni’s defence after a slow start.
30′ Cristian Romero remains Argentina’s key distributor from the back, completing six line-breaking passes—twice as many as any other player on the pitch. His passing has been crucial in helping Argentina bypass England’s midfield press.
28′ Following the hydration break, both teams return to the field after receiving tactical instructions from their managers. England’s biggest concern remains getting Harry Kane involved, with the captain having managed just four touches—the fewest of any player on the pitch. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford restarts play as the Three Lions look to build momentum.
26′ The match remains finely balanced with neither side able to seize control. England have looked slightly more threatening in possession, while Argentina continue to defend compactly and wait for opportunities to strike on the counter.
24′ Argentina win the first corner of the semifinal after Lionel Messi takes a quick free-kick. Giuliano Simeone drives towards the byline, but Djed Spence, who has impressed defensively, blocks the cross behind to concede the corner.
22′ Chances remain at a premium in Atlanta. The opening stages have been dominated by tactical discipline and physical battles, with both defences comfortably dealing with attacks as the match continues to search for its first meaningful opportunity.
20′ England produce one of their best attacking moves of the match. Harry Kane sees more of the ball and finds Morgan Rogers on the right, whose clever pass releases the overlapping Reece James. The full-back delivers a dangerous first-time cross into the penalty area, but Emiliano Martinez reacts quickly to gather and end the threat.
18′ Both teams continue to trade possession without creating a clear opening. England are beginning to enjoy longer spells on the ball, while Argentina remain compact and aggressive, looking to disrupt the Three Lions with their pressing and physical approach.
16′ Lionel Messi goes to ground once again under pressure from an England challenge, but referee Ismail Elfath waves away his appeals. England break quickly through Anthony Gordon, who wins a free-kick after being brought down by Giuliano Simeone. The match remains end-to-end, although neither goalkeeper has been seriously tested.
14′ Argentina’s physical approach continues to shape the contest, with the South Americans already committing four fouls in the opening stages. The repeated interruptions are preventing England from finding any attacking rhythm as Lionel Scaloni’s side look determined to break up play whenever possible.
10′ The opening exchanges remain fiercely contested, with England and Argentina matching each other in intensity. Elliot Anderson has emerged as England’s standout performer in midfield, while both sides continue to battle for control in a physical contest that has yet to produce a clear-cut chance.
8′ England continue to probe down the flanks as Morgan Rogers earns the Three Lions’ first corner of the match. However, Declan Rice’s delivery fails to trouble the Argentine defence before Reece James concedes a free-kick moments later after being judged to have fouled Nicolas Tagliafico.
6′ Argentina respond with a spell of high pressing, forcing England to work hard while building from the back. The Three Lions initially play their way out of danger, but Elliot Anderson misplaces a pass, lifting the noise inside Atlanta Stadium as the Argentina supporters sense an opportunity. The intensity is rising, and this semifinal already has all the ingredients of a World Cup classic.
4′ Both teams continue to test each other in midfield, with neither side willing to give an inch. Every challenge is being fiercely contested as England and Argentina look to impose themselves in a frantic opening to the semifinal.
2′ England have started aggressively, immediately pinning Argentina back in their own half. The Three Lions win an early throw-in before earning the first free-kick of the match as Leandro Paredes catches Jude Bellingham with a late challenge, setting a physical tone just two minutes into this World Cup semifinal.
1′ Referee Ismail Elfath blows his whistle, and Lionel Messi gets the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal underway at Atlanta Stadium. England and Argentina are now battling for a place in the final against Spain.
Score will be update once the Match started
England vs Argentina Live Score
The FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal between England and Argentina is underway at Atlanta Stadium, with referee Ismail Elfath blowing the whistle to kick off the contest. The winner will advance to the World Cup final to face Spain.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has made three changes to the side that defeated Norway in the quarter-finals. Reece James returns from injury, Djed Spence starts at full-back, and Morgan Rogers is handed his first FIFA World Cup start. Captain Harry Kane earns his 121st England cap, becoming the nation’s most-capped outfield player and moving behind only Peter Shilton in the all-time appearances list.
England Starting XI: Jordan Pickford; Djed Spence, Marc Guehi, John Stones, Reece James; Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice; Anthony Gordon, Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers; Harry Kane.
England Substitutes: Ezri Konsa, Nico O’Reilly, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Trevoh Chalobah, Dean Henderson, Jordan Henderson, Dan Burn, Kobbie Mainoo, Ollie Watkins, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, Ivan Toney, James Trafford.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has made just one change from the team that beat Switzerland, with Giuliano Simeone replacing Rodrigo De Paul in the starting lineup. The Albiceleste field one of the oldest World Cup semifinal starting XIs ever, averaging 29 years and 262 days. Captain Lionel Messi enters the match with 46 goal involvements in 54 career semifinals, including 11 goal contributions in eight semifinal appearances for Argentina.
Argentina Starting XI: Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Giuliano Simeone, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez; Julian Alvarez, Lionel Messi.
Argentina Substitutes: Juan Musso, Marcos Senesi, Gonzalo Montiel, Rodrigo De Paul, Valentin Barco, Giovani Lo Celso, Geronimo Rulli, Exequiel Palacios, Nico Gonzalez, Thiago Almada, Nico Paz, Nicolas Otamendi, Jose Manuel Lopez, Lautaro Martinez, Facundo Medina.
The national anthems have been sung, the final instructions have been delivered, and the atmosphere inside Atlanta Stadium is electric. With a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final at stake, England and Argentina are ready to renew one of football’s greatest rivalries.
Referee Ismail Elfath signals the start, and Lionel Messi gets the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal underway. Stay with us for live updates, including goals, bookings, substitutions, match statistics, and full-time reaction throughout the match.
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