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Argentina Stun England 2-1 With Late Comeback to Reach Final

July 16, 2026 By BeatzHive Editorial 2 min read

Argentina Stun England With Late 2-1 Comeback to Book World Cup Final Against Spain

Argentina snatched victory from the jaws of defeat once again, scoring twice in the dying minutes to overturn England‘s lead and win their World Cup semi-final 2-1. The result ended England’s hopes of a first final appearance since 1966 and sent Lionel Scaloni’s defending champions into a second straight final, where Spain awaits.

Gordon’s Strike Gave England Hope Before the Champions Struck Back

The opening half was a war of attrition rather than a spectacle. Jude Bellingham was swarmed by Argentine shirts whenever he received possession, while Lionel Messi was repeatedly brought down by tactical fouls, with Elliot Anderson’s crunching challenge on the captain summing up the physical tone. England mustered only one attempt before half-time, Argentina little more than long-range efforts, and the expected-goals figures reflected a genuine stalemate.

The deadlock broke ten minutes into the second half. Moments after Jordan Pickford kept out Julián Álvarez, England swept forward: Harry Kane’s raking pass found Morgan Rogers, whose cross picked out Anthony Gordon, and the Newcastle winger calmly finished past Emiliano Martínez.

Thomas Tuchel’s game plan appeared to be working, with Declan Rice and Bellingham dominating midfield and Djed Spence lively down the left. But as they have done all tournament, Argentina found a way, striking twice in the closing stages to complete the turnaround.

Fourth Straight Knockout Escape Cements Argentina’s Reputation

This was the fourth consecutive knockout tie in which Scaloni’s side flirted with elimination before surviving. Cape Verde forced them into extra time in the Round of 32, Egypt led by two goals before Argentina produced a comeback ranked among the greatest in knockout history, and ten-man Switzerland dragged the quarter-final beyond 90 minutes.

Late escapes of this kind tend to define championship-winning teams, and the champions’ refusal to accept defeat has become the story of this tournament. For England, meanwhile, the pattern is painfully familiar: another deep run, another agonising exit, and a 60-year wait for a return to the final that goes on.

All eyes now turn to the showpiece, where Argentina will attempt to retain their crown against Spain.

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