Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez struck within the final five minutes as Argentina mounted a dramatic comeback to defeat England 2-1 and secure a World Cup final showdown with Spain
Argentina defeated England 2-1 in a dramatic World Cup semifinal at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday, with Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez striking within the final five minutes to orchestrate a stunning comeback victory and secure a ticket to face Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final.
The opening 45 minutes was a cagey, physical battle with limited clear-cut opportunities. Midfielders Leandro Paredes and Enzo Fernández laid down heavy markers on Jude Bellingham and Elliot Anderson early, preventing England from establishing an attacking rhythm.
📢 GET A DETAILED ARTICLES + JOBS
Join ASJ's WhatsApp Channel and never miss a post or opportunity.
England broke the deadlock ten minutes into the second half. Midfielder Morgan Rogers drove down the flank and delivered a precise pass to Anthony Gordon, who clinically slotted the ball past goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez to give the Three Lions a 1-0 lead in the 54th minute.
With England dropping into a deep defensive shell to hold the lead, Argentina unleashed a wave of pressure. Enzo Fernández found a pocket of space and unleashed a fierce strike that beat Jordan Pickford to make it 1-1 in the 84th minute.
Just as the match looked destined for extra time, Lionel Messi masterfully manipulated the English backline and curled an exquisite cross into the box. Super-sub Lautaro Martínez met the ball with a thunderous header, burying it into the back of the net in stoppage time to seal the 2-1 victory.
Argentina finished with 15 shots, six on target, while England managed nine shots, four on target. Argentine possession stood at 58 percent compared to England’s 42 percent.
With this win, Argentina preserves its flawless historic record, having never lost a World Cup semifinal across every tournament edition they have ever reached. Messi picked up his 11th career World Cup assist and his second of the 2026 tournament.
According to a report by Accra Street Journal, Argentina advances to East Rutherford, New Jersey, to defend their crown against Spain on Sunday.
Source: Accra Street Journal
Last Updated on July 15, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
🏟️ Discover More Sports Stories
Looking for more in-depth sports news, interviews, and features? Visit Accra Sports News — your go-to for exclusive sports content in Ghana and beyond.
Disclaimer: Some content on Accra Street Journal may be aggregated, summarized, or edited from third-party sources for informational purposes. Images and media are used under fair use or royalty-free licenses. Accra Street Journal is a subsidiary of SamBoad Publishing Hub under SamBoad Business Group Ltd, registered in Ghana since 2014.
For concerns or inquiries, please visit our Privacy Policy or Contact Page.
Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
