Argentina overturned a one-goal deficit to beat England 2-1 in the 2026 World Cup semi-final at the Atlanta stadium in a match of dramatic twists, reaching the final for the seventh time in their history and setting up a date with Spain, while England were left to contest the third-place match against France.
The "Tango Dancers", led by Lionel Scaloni, preserved their perfect record at the World Cup semi-final stage after snatching a passage through with a stoppage-time winner, continuing their campaign to defend their world title.
The first half was marked by extreme caution and physical battles, with play congested in midfield amid fierce challenges from both sides. Clear chances were scarce, neither goalkeeper was directly tested, and England enjoyed only a slight edge in possession.
Argentina came close to opening the scoring late in the half when Enzo Fernández unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box in the 38th minute, but the ball sailed over the crossbar, leaving the first half goalless after a display that lacked attacking incisiveness.
The second half was a wholly different and far more exciting affair. Argentina created an early dangerous chance that Jordan Pickford saved from Julián Álvarez, before Anthony Gordon gave England the lead in the 55th minute, converting a Morgan Rogers cross into the net.
Argentina refused to capitulate and kept up intense pressure, with Pickford excelling on multiple occasions while the post denied Alexis Mac Allister an equaliser, heightening the drama as the clock wound down.
The finale erupted when Enzo Fernández levelled in the 85th minute with a fierce shot from outside the penalty area, before Lionel Messi delivered the decisive blow with a precise cross that Lautaro Martínez headed into the net in the 2nd minute of stoppage time, handing Argentina a historic victory and a place in the final.