Argentina overturns deficit to reach 2026 World Cup final against Spain

Defending champions Argentina have secured their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after staging a dramatic second-half comeback to defeat England 2-1 in the semi-final. The match, played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, saw the South American side overturn a deficit to set up a title clash against European champions Spain.

England appeared well-positioned to advance after Anthony Gordon’s 55th-minute strike gave them a 1-0 lead. Fox Sports commentator John Strong described the goal as putting England "in front early in the second half of the semifinal," suggesting the Three Lions were poised to control the narrative of the contest.

However, Argentina’s resilience was on full display as they equalised in the 85th minute through Enzo Fernández. Strong provided the play-by-play for the equaliser, noting, "They always find a way," as the game levelled at 1-1. The momentum shifted decisively in the dying moments of regulation time.

Lautaro Martínez secured the victory with a header in the 92nd minute, three minutes into stoppage time. The goal was assisted by Lionel Messi, whose cross set up the decisive moment. Strong described the sequence as "Messi crossing... there it is! Lautaro Martínez! Stoppage time! Go-ahead goal for Argentina!"

The broadcast coverage, shared by social media accounts including @awfulannouncing and @TelemundoSports, highlighted the intensity of the finish. Legendary Spanish-language commentator Andrés Cantor delivered his signature calls for both the England goal and the subsequent Argentine responses on Telemundo, underscoring the global significance of the match.

Argentina will now face Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET. The decisive match will be held in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and will be televised on Fox and Telemundo, continuing the tournament’s coverage across major US networks.