Argentina advances to World Cup final after dramatic comeback against England
Hundreds of thousands of fans gather in Buenos Aires as Argentina secures 2-1 semi-final victory over England in Atlanta.
Defending World Cup champions Argentina have secured their place in the 2026 championship match following a dramatic 2-1 semi-final victory over England in Atlanta on Wednesday night. The Albiceleste overturned a one-goal deficit with two late goals in stoppage time to advance to the final, where they will face Spain on Sunday.
The semi-final contest was a tense affair that remained nil-all at half-time before England took the lead in the 55th minute. However, the defending champions mounted a late surge, scoring twice in the closing moments of the match to reverse the result and eliminate their English opponents from the tournament.
The conclusion of the match was marred by a post-whistle altercation involving England midfielder Jude Bellingham and Argentina substitute Valentin Barco. Reports indicate that Bellingham slapped Barco on the back of the head as Argentina players celebrated their stoppage-time victory. Barco, a 21-year-old Strasbourg player, was involved in the incident as the match concluded.
In the other semi-final, European champions Spain defeated France 2-0 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday, 14 July 2026. Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro secured Spain’s progression to the final, setting up a championship fixture that will feature Lionel Messi against Spain’s Lamine Yamal.
The 2026 World Cup final is scheduled to take place in New Jersey on Sunday. The victory in Atlanta marks the end of England’s World Cup campaign, while Argentina continues its pursuit of a historic fourth title.
Hundreds of thousands of fans gathered in the streets of Buenos Aires on Wednesday night to celebrate the semi-final win. The large turnout in the capital reflected the national significance of the team’s progression to the final stage of the tournament.
Spain’s victory over France earlier in the week had already established them as formidable opponents for the final. The upcoming match in New Jersey will determine the next World Cup champion, with both Argentina and Spain having navigated their respective semi-final hurdles to reach the final day of competition.
