Argentina 2-1 England: Late Goals from Fernandez and Martinez Complete Another Dramatic World Cup Comeback

Argentina have done it again. In one of the biggest World Cup 2026 games so far, England vs Argentina delivered exactly the late drama fans searching “who won the world cup 2026” were hoping for, as Lionel Scaloni’s side came from behind to beat England 2-1 in Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final and book their place in Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain. For anyone still asking who won England or Argentina, or refreshing the world cup score late into the night, it’s now confirmed: England vs Argentina finished 2-1, sending Argentina through to the Spain vs Argentina final and bringing England’s run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup to a close.

Anthony Gordon’s second-half strike had England dreaming of a first World Cup final in 60 years. Instead, two goals in the final ten minutes, both created by Lionel Messi, sent Argentina through and left England to reflect on yet another agonizing near-miss on the biggest stage.

Here’s the full breakdown: how it happened, who scored, what both managers said, and exactly what comes next for both teams.

England vs Argentina: Final Score and Result

Full-time score: England 1-2 Argentina

• 55′ Anthony Gordon (England)
• 85′ Enzo Fernández (Argentina)
• 90+2′ Lautaro Martínez (Argentina)

The result means Argentina have now scored after the 75th minute in every knockout match they’ve played at this World Cup, extending one of the most remarkable comeback records the tournament has seen in years. For England, it’s a fourth World Cup semi-final defeat since their sole triumph in 1966, following losses in 1990 and 2018.

How the Match Unfolded

A cagey, low-event first half gave little hint of the drama to come. Both sides were cautious, with Argentina probing patiently through Messi and Enzo Fernández while England looked to hit on the counter through Bellingham and Gordon.

The breakthrough arrived just after the hour mark. Morgan Rogers, introduced into the starting XI in place of Noni Madueke, whipped in a precise cross from the right that Anthony Gordon guided home from close range to send the England end of the stadium into raptures. Argentina responded almost immediately, with Alexis Mac Allister crashing a header off the post as they searched for an equalizer.

The Three Lions held firm for the next twenty minutes, but Argentina’s pressure eventually told. In the 85th minute, Fernández who had already seen an earlier effort tipped over bent a brilliant strike from outside the box past Jordan Pickford to level the score. Then, deep into stoppage time, Messi again turned provider, crossing for Lautaro Martínez to head home the winner and spark scenes of pure delirium among the Argentina supporters inside Atlanta Stadium.

Substitutes Dan Burn and Nico O’Reilly had been introduced late on to shore up an England side visibly retreating under pressure, but it wasn’t enough to hold out against a team that has now made a habit of finishing matches stronger than it starts them.

Reaction: What Tuchel, Kane and Scaloni Said

England manager Thomas Tuchel said after the match that he had no regrets over his side’s approach in the second half, even as the lead slipped away late on.

Captain Harry Kane struck a similarly reflective tone, acknowledging that his side was close to a breakthrough but still missing the final piece needed to get over the line at a major tournament.

For Argentina, head coach Lionel Scaloni credited his side’s ability to sense an opportunity once England began sitting deeper to protect their lead, saying it was exactly the kind of moment his team has thrived on throughout the competition.

What This Means: Argentina’s Golden Boot Race and Title Defense

Lionel Messi didn’t get his name on the scoresheet, but he was directly involved in both Argentina goals, extending his tournament tally to eight goals and now ten goal contributions overall. That keeps him locked in a tight battle for the Golden Boot heading into the final, level with Kylian Mbappé at the top of the standings.

The win also keeps alive Argentina’s bid to become the first team since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups. A victory on Sunday would put Scaloni alongside Vittorio Pozzo as only the second manager in history to win consecutive World Cup titles.

For England, the tournament ends at the semi-final stage for the second time in three World Cups, having also fallen at this hurdle to Croatia in 2018. Jude Bellingham, who scored twice against Norway in the quarter-final, remains one of the breakout stars of the tournament and, at 22, should still be in his prime by the 2030 World Cup.

England vs Argentina: The Head-to-Head Record Is Now Level

This was the sixth meeting between the two nations at a World Cup, and Argentina’s win means the head-to-head at football’s biggest tournament is now tied at three wins apiece.

1962 World Cup, Group Stage: England won 3-1. 1966 World Cup, Quarter-Final: England won 1-0 in a bad-tempered match at Wembley, en route to their only World Cup title. 1986 World Cup, Quarter-Final: Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” and “Goal of the Century” secured a 2-1 Argentina win, in arguably the most famous match in the rivalry’s history. 1998 World Cup, Round of 16: A 2-2 draw, with Argentina winning on penalties after David Beckham’s red card. 2002 World Cup, Group Stage: A David Beckham penalty gave England a 1-0 win in Sapporo. 2026 World Cup, Semi-Final: Argentina came from behind to win 2-1 in Atlanta.

For fans searching “how many times has Argentina won the World Cup” the answer remains three outright titles (1978, 1986, 2022), with a fourth now within reach on Sunday. England’s solitary triumph in 1966 remains their only World Cup final appearance.

What’s Next: World Cup Final and Third-Place Match

The World Cup final is set: Argentina vs Spain, kicking off Sunday, 19 July 2026, at 3:00 p.m. EDT at the New York New Jersey Stadium. Argentina will be chasing their fourth World Cup title and second in succession, while Spain look to add to their 2010 triumph.

England will play France in the third-place playoff on Saturday, 18 July, at 10:00 p.m. BST in Miami a chance for Tuchel’s side to end the tournament with something to show for their run to the final four.

World Cup final tickets remain in extremely high demand through official resale platforms, with prices expected to climb further now that Argentina one of the tournament’s most-followed teams have confirmed their spot in the showpiece match.

Frequently Asked Questions About Semi-Final

Who won England vs Argentina?

Argentina won 2-1, coming from behind after Anthony Gordon had given England the lead in the 55th minute.

What was the final score of England vs Argentina?

England 1-2 Argentina. Goals: Gordon (55′), Fernández (85′), Martínez (90+2′).

Who scored for Argentina against England?

Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez both scored, with Lionel Messi assisting on both goals.

Is Argentina in the World Cup final?

Yes. Argentina beat England 2-1 in the semi-final and will play Spain in the final on Sunday, 19 July 2026.

Who is England playing next?

England play France in the third-place playoff on Saturday, 18 July 2026, in Miami.

When is the World Cup final and who is playing?

Sunday, 19 July 2026, at the New York New Jersey Stadium: Argentina vs Spain.

How many World Cups has Argentina won?

Three 1978, 1986, and 2022 with a chance to win a fourth on Sunday.

Did Messi score against England?

No, but he registered two assists, setting up both of Argentina’s goals in the comeback win.

Is this England’s closest they’ve come to a World Cup final since 1966?

Yes. This is England’s fourth World Cup semi-final appearance and their closest since reaching and winning the final on home soil in 1966.

Final Word

So, who won England vs Argentina? Argentina did, 2-1, in a World Cup semi-final that swung late thanks to goals from Fernandez and Martinez, with Messi setting up both after Anthony Gordon’s opener had England dreaming. It’s Argentina’s third dramatic comeback of the knockout stage, and it now sends them into the World Cup final 2026 against Spain in a bid to become back-to-back world cup winners for the first time since Brazil in the 1960s with plenty already asking whether this is Messi’s last World Cup as he chases a fourth title.

For England, the world cup final 2026 dream is over for another cycle, though a third-place shot against France on the horizon offers one more chance to leave this World Cup on a high. If you’re still catching up on world cup scores, stats, or full match highlights, the answers above cover the final score, goalscorers, and exactly when and where the Argentina vs Spain final kicks off.

For full match highlights and official stats, see FIFA’s match centre report. For live reaction and post-match analysis, ESPN’s match report is also worth reading.

Read more on styleoverloadd.com: FIFA World Cup 2026 Updates: Full Bracket, Semifinal Schedule and the Golden Boot Race, 

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