England collapse as Argentina complete thrilling comeback to reach World Cup final
Enzo Fernández's goal sparked Argentina's comeback (Photo: FIFA.com)
England sat back too early, and Lionel Messi's Argentina made them pay.
Match recap
The match got off to a heated start, with football taking a back seat as early as the fourth minute when players clashed following an incident involving Lionel Messi and Anderson in midfield. The intensity eased midway through the first half, but frequent fouls from both teams continued.
Clear-cut chances were almost nonexistent. By the 30-minute mark, neither side had registered a major scoring opportunity—or even a shot on target while the foul count had already reached 14. England created a couple of late first-half openings, but Enzo Fernández responded with a dangerous long-range effort.
The second half was far more eventful. Julián Álvarez finally tested Jordan Pickford, and in the 55th minute, Morgan Rogers delivered a perfect cross into the six-yard box, where Anthony Gordon beat everyone to the ball and gave England a 1-0 lead.
The goal transformed the game. Argentina took control of possession and began creating chances, while England gradually retreated deeper into defense.
Their pressure finally paid off in the 85th minute, when Enzo Fernández fired home a superb long-range strike to level the score.
Then, deep into stoppage time, Lionel Messi found Lautaro Martínez inside the penalty area, and the Inter striker calmly slotted home the winner to send La Albiceleste into a second consecutive World Cup final.
The final whistle confirmed a 2-1 victory for Argentina.
Medal matches ahead
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will see Spain take on Argentina at MetLife Stadium in New York. Kickoff is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, at 10:00 p.m. (Kyiv time)
Earlier that day, France and England will face off in the third-place playoff, with kickoff set for 12:00 a.m. on July 19.
Earlier, we reported that Spain defeated France in the other World Cup semifinal.
