Argentina have secured a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after defeating England 2-1 in a dramatic semi-final in Atlanta.

England took the lead early in the second half, but Argentina staged a late comeback with two goals to seal victory and book their place in the final against Spain.

The defending world champions will now have the opportunity to retain their title, while England will face France in the third-place playoff.

23:11

The second semi-final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway, with England taking on defending champions Argentina for a place in the final against Spain.

The match is being played at Atlanta Stadium in the United States and renews one of international football's most historic rivalries. England are aiming to reach their first World Cup final since 1966, while Argentina are seeking another appearance in the tournament's showpiece match as they defend their title.

England manager Thomas Tuchel made three changes to his starting lineup, bringing in Reece James, Djed Spence, and Morgan Rogers, while Argentina made one change to the side that reached the semi-finals.

The winner will face Spain in the World Cup final on July 19, while the losing side will meet France in the third-place playoff.

17:31

Defending champions Argentina will face England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal on Wednesday, with a place against Spain in the final at stake.

The match will kick off at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta at 1900GMT.

Argentina are seeking a second consecutive World Cup final after lifting the trophy in Qatar in 2022, while England are attempting to reach the title match for the first time since their only triumph in 1966.

The encounter will renew one of international football’s most historic rivalries and mark the teams’ first World Cup meeting since 2002.

Their most famous clash came in the 1986 quarterfinal, when Diego Maradona scored both the controversial “Hand of God” goal and the strike later named the “Goal of the Century” in Argentina’s 2-1 victory. 

Argentina chase back-to-back titles
Argentina reached the semifinal after progressing from the group stage and overcoming a series of demanding knockout matches.

The defending champions defeated this tournament’s surprise package Cape Verde 3-2 in the Round of 32 before recording another 3-2 victory against Egypt in the Round of 16.

They then beat Switzerland 3-1 in the quarterfinals to move within one victory of another World Cup final.

Lionel Messi remains the central figure in the Argentine side, racking up eight goals and two assists so far.

A victory would give Argentina the opportunity to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup. 

England seek to end decades-long wait
England began their knockout campaign with a 2-1 victory against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

They then defeated Mexico 3-2 in the Round of 16 before overcoming Norway 2-1 in the quarterfinals.

Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are expected to play leading roles as The Three Lions chase their first World Cup final in 60 years.

Security measures tightened
The Argentina-England rivalry is one of the most politically charged in international football, with several past encounters marked by controversy on and off the pitch.

Tensions deepened following the 1982 Falklands War between Argentina and Britain over the Falkland Islands and South Georgia in the South Atlantic, a conflict that claimed over 900 lives. Argentina refers to the islands as the Islas Malvinas and continues to claim sovereignty over them.

FIFA has classified the semifinal as a high-risk match because of the historical and political sensitivities.

The Atlanta Police Department said in a statement that it has “enhanced its citywide public safety and security posture.”

“Additional personnel and resources are already deployed and will continue to be strategically assigned in and around the event venues, entertainment districts, and other high-traffic areas to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.”

Speaking to local radio, Argentina’s Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva said that, for the first time during the tournament, Argentina and England supporters would enter the stadium through separate gates in an effort to reduce the risk of clashes.

She also said fans would not be allowed to bring flags or banners asserting Argentina’s claim over the islands into the stadium.

“The entry of items that have any type of provocative message, whether of political, racial or otherwise, is prohibited. Signs, banners or messages of that type will not be allowed inside,” ⁠Monteoliva said.