2026 World Cup – Semi-final: England 1-2 Argentina, Lautaro

According to Sports.

Context

Lautaro Martinez, as Inter captain, was instrumental in coming off the bench to score the decisive goal. His ability to change the course of a match could be a major asset for Argentina in the final, especially against a Spanish team that has also shown its strength throughout the tournament.

Why it matters

This victory for Argentina in the semi-final of the 2026 World Cup is crucial for their quest to defend the title. By beating England, the Argentines show their resilience and ability to overcome challenges, which could influence their dynamic ahead of the final against Spain. Lautaro Martinez, as captain of Inter, also strengthened his status as a leader on the world stage.

Key points

• World Cup 2026 – Semi-final: England 1-2 Argentina, Lautaro.
• Coming on at the end of the match, Lautaro Martinez gave Argentina a 2-1 victory against England, after Enzo Fernández's equalizing goal, thus qualifying the Argentines for the World Cup final against Spain.
• World Cup SF: England 1-2 Argentina: Inter’s heroic Lautaro Martinez seals comeback victory - Yahoo Sports.

Argentina snatched a 2-1 victory against England in the semi-final of the 2026 World Cup, thanks to a stunning end to the match concluded by Lautaro Martinez. Entering the match, the Inter captain scored the decisive goal with a header in added time, giving the reigning champions a place in the final against Spain.

The match was bitter and choppy from the kick-off, marked by numerous physical duels and repeated fouls. Both teams featured reshuffled faces: no Serie A player was a starter, although an Italian-born player, Giuliano Simeone – who came into the world while his father Diego was playing at Lazio – was on the squad. Argentina started with strong replacements on the bench, including Lautaro Martinez, the young Nico Paz (Como) and Nico Gonzalez, held by Juventus.

On the English side, Gareth Southgate made several changes and launched Djed Spence and Morgan Rogers on the wings. It was also a combination on the right that allowed England to open the scoring: a low cross from Morgan Rogers found Anthony Gordon, who pushed the ball into the back of the goal upon reception at the far post.

Argentina did not take long to react and multiplied the chances. Julian Alvarez found Jordan Pickford's first real save, the England keeper pushing away a near-post shot with his foot. Later, Djed Spence made a remarkable tackle to prevent Alvarez from equalizing on a dangerous move.

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Argentina's pressure remained constant: Enzo Fernández tested Pickford on several occasions, including a powerful shot saved early in the second half. Alexis Mac Allister also came close to equalizing, his free header hitting the bar after a cross from Rodrigo De Paul.

The equalizer finally came from an orchestrated action on a short corner: Enzo Fernández, caught at first instance, volleyed and found the net after a decisive pass from Lionel Messi, until then reduced to a more discreet role but at the origin of the capital action.

Argentina's domination increased and, despite another save from Pickford on a header from the restart, Messi once again weighed on the English defense. After another failure on the woodwork for Mac Allister, Messi finally delivered a cross in added time for Lautaro Martinez, who catapulted the ball with his head into the back of the net: 2-1 and explosion of joy on the Argentinian side. This is Lautaro Martinez's third goal in this 2026 World Cup.

This victory in the semi-final places Argentina in the final where Spain awaits. For England, the disillusionment is immense: despite good defensive organization in the second half, the team was unable to hold on to the offensive pressure and technical quality of the Argentines.

Match played with intensity, decisions and key actions which smiled on Argentina: a qualification snatched from courage and collective talent, concluded by the decisive entry of a world-class player.

The rest

Argentina is now preparing for the 2026 World Cup final against Spain, a meeting that promises to be thrilling. Recent performances from players like Lautaro Martinez and Enzo Fernández will be crucial to their success. Both teams will need to refine their strategy to maximize their impact on the match and hope to win the title.

Frequently asked questions

What was the score of the Argentina vs England match in the 2026 World Cup semi-final?

The score was 2-1 in favor of Argentina.

Who scored the decisive goal for Argentina against England?

Lautaro Martinez scored the decisive goal for Argentina.

What impact did this match have on the standings of the 2026 World Cup?

Argentina secured a place in the final against Spain.

When is Argentina's next match after this victory against England?

Argentina's next match is the final against Spain.

How did England open the scoring against Argentina?

England opened the scoring thanks to a goal from Anthony Gordon, from a cross from Morgan Rogers.

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