Argentina battled back from a goal down to defeat England 2-1 after extra time in a dramatic World Cup semifinal in Atlanta, booking the defending champions’ place in Sunday’s final against Spain.
Anthony Gordon had given England the lead in the 55th minute, finishing off a slick move from a Morgan Rogers cross to send the Three Lions ahead. But Argentina, roared on by Lionel Messi, hit back late, with Enzo Fernández curling in an equalizer in the 85th minute after a driving run set up the chance.
With the match locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes, Argentina found the decisive blow in extra time, as Lautaro Martínez headed home from a Messi cross after Alexis Mac Allister’s effort came back off the post.
The result extends Argentina’s unbeaten World Cup semifinal record and sends the reigning champions to a second straight final, where they’ll meet a rampant Spain side that dismantled France 2-0 in the other semifinal.
Final Set: Argentina vs. Spain
Sunday’s (19) final at New York-New Jersey Stadium will be a rematch of the UEFA Euro 2024 final, with Spain seeking their second World Cup title and Argentina chasing back-to-back crowns.
England, meanwhile, will face France in Saturday’s (18) third-place playoff in Miami — a repeat World Cup meeting for the two European heavyweights, who were among the tournament’s most fancied sides heading into the knockout rounds.