Argentina have booked their place in the 2026 World Cup final after beating England 2-1 in a dramatic semi-final at Atlanta Stadium in the early hours of Thursday (July 16, 2026, WIB). The win puts Lionel Messi and his teammates one step away from lifting a fourth World Cup title.
Match Recap
The first half ended goalless, with both sides struggling to break through a well-organised defense. England’s best chance came from a John Stones header off a Declan Rice free-kick, which drifted just wide of Emiliano Martinez’s goal. Argentina, meanwhile, found it hard to create clear-cut opportunities before the break.
England came out sharper after the restart. Anthony Gordon broke the deadlock in the 55th minute, finishing off a cross from Morgan Rogers to put Thomas Tuchel’s side 1-0 up.
Argentina refused to back down. Wave after wave of pressure eventually paid off when Enzo Fernandez equalised in the 85th minute, assisted by Lionel Messi. Argentina then completed the turnaround deep into stoppage time, as Lautaro Martinez struck in the 90+1st minute — once again set up by his captain.
The 2-1 scoreline held until the final whistle, sending Argentina through to the championship match.
Argentina to Face Spain in the Final
With the result, Argentina will meet Spain in the 2026 World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium, East Rutherford, in the early hours of Monday, July 20, 2026. Spain had already secured their spot in the final after beating France 2-0.
England, meanwhile, still have a shot at a podium finish. The Three Lions will take on France in the third-place playoff on Sunday morning, July 19, 2026.
Argentina Eyeing a Historic Fourth Title
The victory keeps alive Argentina’s chance to repeat their triumph from the 2022 World Cup, when they were crowned champions after beating France on penalties. Should they lift the trophy again this year, Argentina would match Italy and Germany’s record of four World Cup titles.
Messi’s performance was once again a talking point. His two assists — for Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez — underline how central he remains to Argentina’s game plan, even at 39 years old.
