England vs Argentina 2026 World Cup Semi-Final

Argentina beat England 2-1 on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Anthony Gordon gave England the lead in the 55th minute, but Enzo Fernández equalised in the 85th and Lautaro Martínez scored the winner in the 2nd minute of stoppage time (90'+2'). Lionel Messi set up both Argentina goals. The defending champions advance to the final on July 19. Sources: FIFA, ESPN, NBC Sports.

Three goals. Anthony Gordon opened the scoring for England in the 55th minute. Argentina hit back late: Enzo Fernández equalised in the 85th minute and Lautaro Martínez struck the winner in the 92nd minute (90'+2'). Lionel Messi provided the assist on both Argentina goals. Final score: Argentina 2-1 England. Sources: FIFA, ESPN.

Argentina face Spain in the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday, July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Spain reached the final by beating France 2-0 in the first semi-final on July 14. The final pits Lionel Messi (38) against Lamine Yamal (17) for the first time, and Argentina go for back-to-back titles after 2022. Sources: FIFA, ESPN.

England led 1-0 through Anthony Gordon (55') and defended deep, but Argentina dominated possession (64%) and chances (xG 1.84 to 0.53). The pressure told late: Enzo Fernández levelled in the 85th minute and Lautaro Martínez won it in stoppage time (90'+2'), both goals created by Lionel Messi. It was Argentina's latest late comeback of a tournament full of them. Sources: ESPN, NBC Sports.

Argentina beat England 2-1 in the 1986 FIFA World Cup quarter-final in Mexico City on June 22, 1986. Diego Maradona scored the notorious 'Hand of God' goal with his left hand (which the referee did not see), then minutes later scored the 'Goal of the Century', a solo run from his own half past five outfield players. Gary Lineker scored for England. The match is one of the most controversial and celebrated in the sport's history, and carries added meaning given the 1982 Falklands War context.

Argentina are historically the stronger side: they have won the World Cup three times (1978, 1986, 2022) to England's one (1966). In direct World Cup meetings, Argentina now lead 3-2: Argentina won in 1986, 1998 and 2026, England in 1966 and 2002. The 2026 semi-final was their fifth World Cup encounter and the first with a final place at stake.

Lionel Messi finished the 2026 semi-finals with 8 goals at the tournament: a hat-trick vs Algeria (June 16), 2 vs Austria (June 22, breaking Klose's all-time record), 1 vs Egypt (Round of 16), and more. He did not score against England but assisted both Argentina goals. His 8 goals in 2026 bring his career World Cup total to 21, the men's all-time record. Sources: FIFA, ESPN.

Yes, twice. England beat Argentina 1-0 in the 1966 quarter-final at Wembley (Geoff Hurst goal) and 1-0 in the 2002 group stage (David Beckham penalty). Argentina won in 1986 (2-1 QF, Maradona), 1998 (on penalties after 2-2 AET, Round of 16) and now 2026 (2-1, semi-final). The World Cup head-to-head is 3-2 in Argentina's favour after 2026.

The match was played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, which holds roughly 71,000 fans, on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. Argentina won 2-1. The final is on July 19 at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey. Source: FIFA.

Starting XIs (source: ESPN, FIFA). England (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Reece James, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guéhi, Nico O'Reilly; Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson; Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon; Harry Kane. Key absences: Jarell Quansah (suspended after a red card in the Round of 16 vs Mexico), Jordan Henderson (broken arm). Argentina (4-4-2 diamond): Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández; Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez. Sources: ESPN, FIFA.