Wednesday, July 15, 2026: Argentina overturn England and join Spain in the final

For more than an hour, the match was a battle of patience. England protected the center through Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson and Jude Bellingham, while Argentina built around Lionel Messi without consistently pulling the opposing block apart.

The first half was tense and short on clear chances. Both defenses won most of their duels, and transitions were often stopped before reaching the final third. England accepted less possession but remained dangerous through Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane.

In the 55th minute, Anthony Gordon finished England's best spell. His goal rewarded a more direct approach after the break and an ability to exploit the few spaces Argentina left open.

England then chose to protect the advantage by dropping deeper. The strategy initially contained the defending champions, but it also reduced England's outlets and allowed Messi to receive the ball more often near the penalty area.

Kane and Bellingham gradually saw less of the ball and struggled to move the team up the pitch. England defended with discipline but could no longer pose a regular threat to Emiliano Martinez's goal.

In the 85th minute, Messi found Enzo Fernandez on the edge of the box. The midfielder equalized with a precise strike and completely revived the reigning champions.

In stoppage time, Messi created the opening again. Substitute Lautaro Martinez scored with a close-range header to give Argentina a 2-1 victory without the need for extra time.

Messi did not score, but his two assists decided the contest. Lautaro confirmed his value as an impact substitute, while Enzo Fernandez produced one of his most influential displays of the tournament.

Argentina have reached a second consecutive final and can still retain the trophy they won in 2022. Their run has been built on experience, attacking depth and the ability to remain composed when matches turn against them.

The final will bring together the top two nations in the world ranking. Spain will seek to control possession and impose their positional game. Argentina will aim to win duels, manage the rhythm and place Messi in the areas where one pass can change the match.

The outsiders who shaped much of the tournament have now all been eliminated. The last match will feature two major nations that confirmed their status through very different routes to the final.

England were only minutes away from their first World Cup final since 1966. Their campaign remains a strong one, driven by a team that survived difficult matches and relied on Bellingham, Kane, Gordon and a resilient defense.

The decision to retreat after taking the lead will dominate the discussion. By surrendering territory, England allowed Argentina to settle near the penalty area and eventually conceded twice late in the game.

France and England now stand level in disappointment after semifinal defeats. Their third-place match offers one final opportunity to finish the tournament with a victory.

No match is scheduled for July 16. The day will be devoted to recovery and preparation for the final two fixtures of the tournament.

For France, the priority will be assessing the squad's physical and emotional condition before facing England in Miami on July 18. The staff must decide between continuity with the senior players and giving minutes to those used less often.

Attention will also turn to Messi's recovery and Lionel Scaloni's choices for the final. France face England on July 18, before Argentina and Spain play for the title on July 19.