Day 35 Recap — Argentina 2-1 England
In yet another miraculous, come-from-behind triumph, Argentina caught and passed England in Atlanta to book a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final — and set up a showdown with Spain that pits Lionel Messi against a rising Spanish generation.
Semifinal 2 — Match Result
England looked to be heading for their first World Cup final in six decades when Anthony Gordon fired them in front 10 minutes into the second half. But Argentina, the defending champions, refused to fold. With five minutes of normal time left, Messi threaded a pass for Enzo Fernández to smash home an 85th-minute equaliser. Then, with extra time looming, the Argentine captain delivered again — a pinpoint cross that substitute Lautaro Martínez headed in during the second minute of stoppage time to complete the turnaround.
How the Comeback Unfolded
For an hour, this was England's night. Gordon's strike rewarded a disciplined, aggressive approach that had the Three Lions on top for long stretches. Argentina, as they have done repeatedly this summer, saved their best for the moments that mattered most.
The 85th-minute equaliser changed the emotional weight of the contest entirely. Fernández's finish — teed up by Messi — silenced the English support and injected belief into an Argentine side that has specialised in late drama throughout the knockout rounds. Martínez's header moments later was the dagger: a substitute rising highest to convert another Messi delivery.
It was a result that mirrored the pattern of Argentina's entire campaign. Time and again in the United States, Mexico and Canada, they have found a way. This one may have been the most improbable yet.
What It Means
Argentina advance to the World Cup 2026 final on Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium, where they will meet Spain — 2-0 winners over France in the first semifinal (read the Spain 2-0 France recap). La Albiceleste are now one win away from becoming the first nation to win back-to-back men's World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.
England, meanwhile, drop into Saturday's third-place playoff against France in Miami Gardens — a repeat of a fixture packed with history. The heartbreak of a late collapse will sting, but Gareth Southgate's successors can take pride in a run that reached the final four.
Today's Upcoming Matches
There are no matches scheduled for July 16 — both finalists and the two bronze-medal contenders now enter their final preparations. The remaining fixtures:
- Sat, July 18 — Third-Place Playoff: France vs England, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens (5:00 PM ET)
- Sun, July 19 — FINAL: Spain vs Argentina, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford (3:00 PM ET)
Follow every result on our live Fixture and Standings pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Anthony Gordon put England ahead in the 55th minute. Enzo Fernández equalised in the 85th and Lautaro Martínez headed the winner in the second minute of stoppage time, with Lionel Messi assisting both Argentine goals.
Argentina face Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Yes. A win over Spain would make Argentina the first men's team to win consecutive World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.