Argentina booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after coming from behind to beat England 2-1 in a thrilling semifinal clash. England looked set for a famous victory after Anthony Gordon's second-half opener, but Lionel Scaloni's men produced a stunning late turnaround thanks to goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez.
The defeat was another heartbreaking chapter in England's long wait for a major international trophy, while Argentina moved one step closer to defending their world crown.
Match Summary: Argentina Stage Stunning Comeback
For much of the contest, England executed Thomas Tuchel's game plan brilliantly. The Three Lions defended resolutely and struck first when Morgan Rogers delivered a dangerous cross that Anthony Gordon converted after making a superb run behind the Argentine defence.
However, Argentina's relentless pressure finally paid off. Enzo Fernandez produced the equaliser with a superb strike that shifted the momentum entirely. Moments later, Lionel Messi delivered a magnificent cross into the box, and Lautaro Martinez escaped his marker to score the winner and send Argentina into the final.
The victory sets up a blockbuster showdown against Spain, while England are left wondering what might have been.
England Player Ratings vs Argentina
Goalkeeper & Defence
Jordan Pickford – 5/10: Made several excellent saves but was ultimately beaten twice in the closing stages.
Reece James – 7/10: Solid defensively and justified his return to the starting XI.
John Stones – 5/10: Made important interceptions but lost Lautaro Martinez for the winning goal.
Marc Guehi – 6/10: Defended admirably and could not be blamed for either goal.
Djed Spence – 8/10: One of England's best players, making several crucial interventions.
Midfield
Midfield
Declan Rice – 7/10: Battled hard despite recent illness and contributed to England's opener.
Elliot Anderson – 5/10: Worked tirelessly but struggled to help England maintain possession.
Jude Bellingham – 4/10: Showed flashes of quality but failed to dominate the game and ended the night frustrated
Attack
Morgan Rogers – 7/10: His excellent cross created England's goal and he remained a threat.
Harry Kane – 3/10: A disappointing display from England's captain, who rarely troubled Argentina's defence.
Anthony Gordon – 8/10: Took his goal brilliantly and worked relentlessly down the left flank.
Subs & Manager
Ezri Konsa – 4/10
Dan Burn – N/A
Nico O'Reilly – N/A
Marcus Rashford – N/A
Ivan Toney – N/A
Thomas Tuchel – 1/10: England's tactical approach worked for long periods, but his late substitutions disrupted momentum and allowed Argentina to take control.
Argentina Player Ratings vs England
Goalkeeper & Defence
Emiliano Martinez – 6/10: Had little to do for most of the match.
Nicolas Tagliafico – 6/10: Defended well and handled England's right side effectively.
Lisandro Martinez – 7/10: Aggressive and committed despite picking up a booking.
Cristian Romero – 7/10: A commanding presence at the heart of defence.
Nahuel Molina – 5/10: Caught out for England's opening goal.
Midfield
Enzo Fernandez – 8/10: Scored the crucial equaliser and completely changed the game.
Alexis Mac Allister – 8/10: Hit the post twice and played a major role in Argentina's attacking pressure.
Leandro Paredes – 6/10: Set the tone in midfield before being substituted.
Attack
Giuliano Simeone – 5/10: Worked hard but lacked the final product.
Julian Alvarez – 5/10: Energetic display without making a decisive impact.
Lionel Messi – 8/10: Produced moments of brilliance and delivered the perfect assist for the winner.
Subs & Manager
Nicolas Gonzalez – 7/10
Gonzalo Montiel – 6/10
Nicolas Otamendi – 6/10
Rodrigo De Paul – 6/10
Lautaro Martinez – 9/10: The hero of the night, scoring the winner that sent Argentina into the final.
Lionel Scaloni – 9/10: His substitutions transformed the game and helped Argentina seize control in the closing stages.
A Dream Final Awaits
Argentina's victory sets up one of the most anticipated World Cup finals in recent memory as the defending champions face Spain. The showdown will also feature a fascinating storyline, with football legend Lionel Messi set to meet teenage sensation Lamine Yamal for the very first time.
Whether it becomes a passing-of-the-torch moment or another chapter in Messi's extraordinary legacy, one thing is certain, a historic World Cup final awaits.
