The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is set, following a hard-fought comeback victory by the defending champions Argentina over England on Wednesday night.
Led by Lionel Messi, Argentina came back to win the second semifinal of the tournament 2-1 in dramatic fashion, thanks to two assists from Lionel Messi to Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez.
The first half saw both teams approach each other cautiously.
They had feelers, a few chances, but nothing too serious that troubled either defence or goalkeeper.
England also did well to keep the talismanic Messi at bay as they worked their way towards the Argentina goal.
Argentina, however, enjoyed more possession in the areas that mattered, which was a warning sign that the Three Lions did not heed.
The first part of the second half was more of the same, until a good defensive clearance led to a fast break for England.
Declan Rice freed up Morgan Rogers, who played in a perfect pass across the box for Anthony Gordon to finish.
Lionel Scaloni took charge of the game immediately with changes that forced England to sit back, and allowed Messi shift to the right, where he began to affect the game positively.
After creating a number of chances and hitting the post twice, Argentina got the breakthrough when a corner routine spearheaded by Messi landed at the feet of Fernandez, who rifled a shot past everyone and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford for the equaliser.
Less than ten minutes later, Messi was at it again with a brilliant cross to substitute Lautaro Martinez, who headed in a free ball to give La Albiceleste the lead.
The Three Lions attempted last gasp attacks but nothing came of them, and in the end, Argentina made their second-straight World Cup final.
They will now face Spain at the New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife) on July 19 in a highly-anticipated match for the 2026 World Cup title.
France will take on England on July 18 for the third place medals.
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