ATLANTA — Argentina advanced to the FIFA World Cup final after overturning a second-half deficit to defeat England 2-1, with Lautaro Martínez scoring the winner in stoppage time after extra time loomed, sending the defending champions into Sunday's title match against Spain.
England broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when Anthony Gordon finished a move created by Morgan Rogers, putting Thomas Tuchel's side on course for its first World Cup final since 1966. Argentina, however, steadily increased the pressure as Lionel Scaloni's team dominated possession and territory in the closing stages.
The equalizer came in the 86th minute when Enzo Fernández converted after sustained Argentine pressure, with Lionel Messi providing the assist. As England retreated deeper in search of a narrow victory, Argentina continued to press, and Martínez struck in stoppage time to complete the comeback and secure a place in the final.
The victory sends Argentina into consecutive World Cup finals after lifting the trophy in Qatar in 2022. The South Americans will face Spain at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, while England will meet France in the third-place playoff.
England manager Thomas Tuchel said after the match that his side became "too passive" after taking the lead, acknowledging that Argentina's sustained pressure eventually proved decisive. Tuchel said his tactical changes were intended to stabilize the defense but that his team struggled to retain possession during the closing stages.
Argentina's run to the final has included a series of hard-fought knockout victories. In the quarterfinals, Scaloni's side defeated Switzerland 3-1 after extra time, with Julián Álvarez scoring in the 112th minute before Martínez added another goal late in extra time to seal progression.
Messi again played a central creative role in the semifinal, extending his influence despite not scoring, while Argentina's resilience under pressure kept alive its bid to retain the World Cup title.
The World Cup concludes on Sunday with Argentina seeking back-to-back titles against Spain, while England and France will contest the third-place match one day earlier.
