Argentina rally to beat England 2-1 in World Cup semifinal, reach final vs. Spain

Argentina came from 1-0 down in the final five minutes to beat England 2-1 in the World Cup semifinal on Wednesday, sending the defending champions into Sunday’s final against Spain.

At Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, widely referred to during the tournament as Atlanta Stadium, England took the lead in the 55th minute through Anthony Gordon. Argentina did not draw level until the 85th, when Enzo Fernández scored to make it 1-1. Lautaro Martínez then completed the turnaround in stoppage time, heading in the winner in the 90th minute plus two minutes. Argentina had still been trailing as the match entered the final five minutes of regulation before scoring twice late to advance.

The result puts Argentina into the World Cup final on Sunday, July 19, where it will face Spain. Spain secured its place a day earlier, beating France 2-0 in the other semifinal on Tuesday, July 14.

For Argentina, the win keeps alive its bid to defend the title it won at the 2022 World Cup. A victory over Spain would make Argentina the first men’s team since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups. In the modern era, only Italy, in 1934 and 1938, and Brazil have achieved consecutive men’s World Cup titles.

The comeback also added another chapter to one of international soccer’s most storied rivalries. England-Argentina matches at the World Cup have long carried added weight, and this semifinal turned on a dramatic late swing, with Argentina recovering from a one-goal deficit to reach the final once again.