The night of July 15–16 delivered one of the most dramatic matches of this 2026 FIFA World Cup: Argentina snatched a 2:1 victory over England in the second semifinal in Atlanta, scoring twice in the final seven minutes. Lionel Messi assisted both goals and sent the reigning champions into the final against Spain. It is yet another comeback by the 'albiceleste' in the knockout rounds — and arguably the loudest one yet.
Night results
England — Argentina 1:2 (Atlanta, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, 22:00 Kyiv time)
The first half passed in tight, goalless contest: both teams played cautiously and the goalkeepers were rarely tested. The second half started more actively — and on the 55th minute Anthony Gordon opened the scoring, finishing a cutback from Morgan Rogers. After that, manager Thomas Tuchel switched to a defensive approach, replacing attacking players with more defensive ones. Argentina pressed: Alexis Mac Allister hit the post, Pickford made several saves to keep England ahead. But on the 85th minute Enzo Fernandez struck from outside the penalty area and the ball flew into the net. Assist — Messi. Then, in the 90+2 minute, Lautaro Martinez headed home a Messi cross after Mac Allister's shot had rebounded off the post. Argentina won 2:1 and advanced to the final.
The hero of the match was Lionel Messi: both goals came from his passes. According to statistics, Argentina controlled 56% of possession and had 15 shots (5 on target) compared to just 5 shots for England (2 on target). England exited the tournament at the semifinal stage — for the first time in the last three World Cups they reached this round, but once again fell one step short of the final.
Tournament schedule
After both semifinals, all participants in the 2026 World Cup final matches have been determined. Spain (2:0 win over France on Tuesday) and Argentina (2:1 win over England on Wednesday) will meet in the final. Argentina is attempting to become the first team to defend the World Cup title since 1962, when Brazil achieved the feat. Spain are reaching a World Cup final for the first time since 2010. France and England will play in the third-place match.
Off the pitch
- Tuchel under fire. After the match, England manager Thomas Tuchel admitted that the team performed below their level: "My head is not completely satisfied and not 100% happy with how we played", he told reporters. Analysts and commentators accused Tuchel of switching to a defensive shape too early after Gordon's goal.
- Messi — double assist in his first-ever career match against England. For the 38-year-old 'albiceleste' captain, this was his first career appearance against the England national team. He assisted both goals and remains one of the leaders in the race for the Golden Boot with 8 goals at the tournament.
- Stadium security. The England–Argentina match was identified in advance by FIFA and law enforcement as the highest-risk game of the entire tournament. Security services were placed on heightened alert, and fan sections were positioned at opposite ends of the stadium with separate entrances.
- Final with a halftime show. The final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium will be the first in the 2026 World Cup schedule to feature a live halftime show — with performances by Shakira, Madonna and BTS.
Today, July 16, is a rest day before the final week. Upcoming matches: the third-place match France — England on Saturday, July 18, at 00:00 Kyiv time (Miami), and the final Spain — Argentina on Sunday, July 19, at 22:00 Kyiv time at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The full 2026 World Cup match schedule in Kyiv time will be in the evening preview.
See also: 48 teams at the 2026 World Cup: all tournament participants
Photo: NBC 6 South Florida · Editorial (source)
