ATLANTA — Argentina defeated England 2-1 to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after overturning a one-goal deficit with two late strikes in a semi-final that ended England's hopes of winning a first men's World Cup title since 1966.
England led 1-0 before Argentina mounted its comeback in the closing stages to secure a place in Sunday's final against Spain at New York New Jersey Stadium, while England advanced to the third-place playoff against France in Miami on Saturday, according to FIFA's official tournament schedule.
The result extended Argentina's unbeaten run in the tournament and kept the defending champions on course to retain the World Cup, a feat last achieved by Brazil in 1962. Argentina will seek a fourth World Cup title when it meets Spain, the reigning European champion, in the championship match.
England manager Thomas Tuchel defended his tactical decisions after the defeat, rejecting criticism that late defensive substitutions contributed to Argentina's comeback.
"I acted on instinct, experience and competitiveness," Tuchel said after the match, adding that his decisions were intended to help England preserve its lead. He also cited the physical demands of the tournament, including travel and previous matches, as factors that may have affected his team's performance.
Tuchel said England's focus had shifted to the third-place playoff against France, describing the match as an opportunity for the squad to demonstrate its progress despite the disappointment of missing the final. A victory, he said, would give England its best World Cup finish in six decades.
Argentina, meanwhile, turned its attention to Sunday's final, with captain Lionel Messi saying ahead of the title match that the team "will give it our all" as it seeks consecutive World Cup crowns. Coach Lionel Scaloni also expressed confidence in his squad after navigating a demanding knockout stage.
FIFA confirmed that the third-place playoff between England and France is scheduled for Saturday in Miami, while the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain will be played on Sunday at New York New Jersey Stadium.
