England-Argentina: Albiceleste fight back to beat Three Lions and reach final
France 24 · LC · trust 49/100
By: Mehdi BOUZOUINA Who will win this World Cup 2026 semi-final encounter? © Graphic studio FMM Argentina beat England 2-1 in the second World Cup 2026 semi-final in Atlanta to reach the final against Spain. The Three Lions took the lead through Anthony Gordon, but goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez completed a late comeback for Lionel Messi's side. Relive the match with our minute-by-minute commentary.
England : Pickford - O'Reilly, James, Konsa, Guéhi - Rice, Bellingham, Anderson - Kane, Gordon, Saka.
Argentina : Martinez - Tagliafico, Romero, Martinez, Molina - Paredes, De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez - Messi, Alvarez.
Tuchel said his team had become "too passive" after taking the lead at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. "We're disappointed, we were so close but we got too passive after we scored and conceded a lot of chances," Tuchel told the BBC.
"We could not turn the ball possession around and then conceded so many crosses, chances and shots," the German coach added. "We were close but couldn't keep the level up after we scored."
"This group never ceases to surprise me," Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said after the match. "What the players are showing is impressive," he added, while also praising the support from Argentina's fans. "We are truly unique, and this is not arrogance. From the bottom of my heart, these people carried us to victory today."
Argentina booked their place in the final against Spain as they chase back-to-back World Cup titles!
Lautaro Martinez completes the comeback! A superb Messi delivery leaves him with a simple header into an empty net.
What a finish from Enzo Fernandez! Messi finds him on the edge of the box and the Argentina midfielder fires a brilliant strike into the bottom-left corner to make it 1-1.
Thomas Tuchel shuts up shop! The England boss bolsters his defence with Dan Burn and Nico O'Reilly coming on for Reece James and Declan Rice.
Nicolas Gonzalez meets Lionel Messi's cross with a header, but sends it narrowly wide of the right post. The flag is up for offside.
Alexis Mac Allister nearly levels the game! His header from close range beats Pickford but clips the left post.
Lisandro Martinez, Nahuel Molina and Giuliano Simeone make way for Nicolas Otamendi, Gonzalo Montiel and Rodrigo De Paul.
What a save from Jordan Pickford! The England goalkeeper dives low to keep out Nicolas Gonzalez's header after a cross from the wing
Nicolas Tagliafico sends a cross into the box, but England clear their lines. Argentina win a corner
Leo Messi tries to pick out a teammate with a pass from outside the box, but England's defence reacts quickly to shut down the attack
England have impressed throughout this tournament, reaching the semi-finals after their dramatic extra-time victory over Norway in the quarter-finals. Jude Bellingham 's brace proved decisive, cementing their status as genuine contenders. Thomas Tuchel's side have combined attacking prowess with defensive solidity, establishing themselves as one of the competition's elite sides.
Argentina , the defending World Cup champions, have shown the resilience and experience expected of tournament favourites. Their dramatic extra-time triumph over Switzerland secured their passage. The Albiceleste's attacking quality and tactical discipline have carried them through the knockout stages with their sights firmly set on retaining the trophy.
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