Argentina advances to the World Cup final with 2-1 win over England

World Cup fever and halftime show
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
July 15, 2026, 5:08 PM

Argentina will advance to the 2026 World Cup final after defeating England 2-1 on Wednesday.

Spain and Argentina will now face each other to determine the winner of the 2026 tournament on Sunday, July 19, at 3 p.m. ET from New York-New Jersey Stadium.

After a scoreless first half, England struck first in the match with a goal from Anthony Gordon in the 55th minute. Argentina responded with a late goal from Enzo Fernández in the 85th minute to tie the game.

England's Anthony Gordon scores their first goal past Argentina's goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez during their FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final match in Atlanta, July 15, 2026.
Lee Smith/Reuters

A goal by Argentina's Lautaro Martínez in stoppage time put them up 2-1.

Argentina's Lautaro Martinez scores their second goal past England's goalkeeper Jordan Pickford during their FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final match in Atlanta, July 15, 2026.
Amanda Perobelli/Reuters

Defending champions Argentina came into the tournament as one of the strong favorites to win the trophy. This tournament is expected to be Lionel Messi's final World Cup appearance after 20 years representing his country on the world stage.

Messi and Argentina hoisted the trophy in 2022, after defeating France in penalty kicks.

England will play for third place against France on Saturday, July 18, at 5 p.m. from Miami Stadium.

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