FIFA 2026: England Beaten As Argentina Progress To Final

 

England are out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a 2-1 comeback loss to Argentina in the semi-final, with a stoppage-time goal from Lautaro Martinez.

Argentina will be making their second consecutive final appearance in the FIFA World Cup. They won the last edition of the tournament in Qatar in 2022, defeating France. As the defending champions, they are bidding for their fourth FIFA World Cup trophy. 

One-time champions, England, broke the deadlock after a goalless first. The Three Lions seized a fast break to build up pressure on the right flank, and Morgan Rogers' cross reached Anthony Gordon for a tap-in from inside the six-yard box. 

Argentina dug deeper, making multiple attempts until Enzo Fernanadez broke England's resilience. He received a pass from Lionel Messi and struck an 18-yard shot into the top of the post. The Argentine side doubled the tally in injury time as Messi's cross reached Lautaro Martinez for a header inside the six-yard box, and they took the lead by 2-1. 

England have not reached the semi-final since their last in 2014. They will face France in the third-place playoff on Saturday. Argentina will face Spain in the final on Sunday. 

Overview 

Spectacular match for both sides, even though England lost. There was little Tomas Tuchel could have done better, considering the quality of players in the Argentine squad. Argentina bolstered their attackers with the substitutions, bringing in Lautaro Martinez and Gonzalo Montiel, and both players were quick to make an impact. Messi was almost unstoppable in the second half and had free flow of the ball on the right and centre. 

The goalpost of domination did not just shift; it did in the second half, after England took the lead and Argentina went on the counterattack each time England attacked their half. Unlike the first half, when Messi barely had space to charge towards England's half without being stopped by Declan Rice, Anderson, or Spence, in the second half, he had a stronghold of the right flank and moved freely in the centre. 

However, it was a plausible performance from England. Jordan Picford was excellent in the box,  making incredible stops. The defense was tight until fatigue set in the later stages. Meanwhile, Argentina had sapped the Three Lions' energy with physicality in the first half, conserving for the final quarter, which was when they made comebacks. 

Chances and Defenses

Spence was a standout for England in the defence. He made a couple of blockages of Messi's advances in the first half. Declan Rice and Anderson also played an important role in keeping the midfield in good shape before Argentina unleashed their terror. 

Gonzalo came closest to equalising for Argentina when Messi's cross reached him for a header, but he was stopped by Pickford. MacAllister also came close with a glance header stopped by Pickford. One of England's close misses Stones' header in the first half.