England were knocked out of the World Cup 2026 semi-final by Argentina, losing 2-1 in Atlanta. The holders' late comeback secured their place in the final against Spain.
Match Summary
Anthony Gordon gave England the lead in the second half, but Enzo Fernández equalised five minutes from time. Seven minutes later, Lionel Messi's pinpoint cross was headed home by Lautaro Martínez to seal the win for Argentina.
According to match reports, the game started scrappily with six combined fouls in the opening 10 minutes. England's Djed Spence was a standout performer, making a stupendous sliding tackle to deny Giuliano Simeone a goalscoring chance.
Key Moments
Argentina dominated the second half, with Messi surging into the England penalty area but stopped by Jude Bellingham. England broke forward, and a cross from Morgan Rogers was tucked into the net by Gordon, putting England ahead.
However, Argentina's pressure paid off. Fernández scored from distance, and then Martínez headed home Messi's cross to complete the comeback.
Aftermath
After the final whistle, Argentina players held a banner reading 'The Malvinas (Falkland Islands) are Argentina's'. Messi consoled England captain Harry Kane, and England manager Thomas Tuchel spoke to media in the mixed zone.
Celebrations erupted in Buenos Aires, with fans gathering around the Obelisk. The match was watched by fans worldwide, including at a bar in Benidorm and the Castlefield Bowl in Manchester.
