Argentina are through to the FIFA World Cup 2026 final after producing a stunning comeback to defeat England 2-1 in one of the most dramatic semi-finals in recent tournament history. Lionel Messi and company will face Spain in the final after breaking English hearts with a stoppage-time winner from substitute Lautaro Martinez.
England Take the Lead
Thomas Tuchel’s England made the better start and took a deserved lead in the second half. Anthony Gordon finished calmly from close range after being found by a precise cross from Morgan Rogers, sending the England supporters in the stadium into raptures and raising hopes of a first-ever World Cup final appearance for the Three Lions in the modern era.
Fernandez Pulls Argentina Level
Argentina refused to fold. Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez dragged his side level with a powerful strike from distance that gave the England goalkeeper no chance. The goal shifted the momentum entirely, with Argentina sensing they could complete another famous World Cup comeback.
Martinez Breaks English Hearts in Stoppage Time
The decisive moment came in agonising fashion for England fans. Deep into stoppage time, Lionel Messi — showing his peerless vision even at this stage of his career — whipped in a cross from the right flank. Substitute Lautaro Martinez arrived at the back post and headed powerfully into the net, sending the Argentine bench into wild celebration and triggering scenes of despair among England players and supporters.
Argentina vs Spain in the Final
Argentina will now face Spain in the World Cup 2026 final — a mouthwatering clash between two of the tournament’s most decorated footballing nations. For Messi, it represents yet another chance to add to his already legendary World Cup legacy following Argentina’s triumph in Qatar 2022.
Kenyan Fans React
The semi-final drew huge audiences across Kenya, with fans packed into bars and screening venues in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret. On Kenyan X (Twitter), #WorldCup2026 and #Messi trended for hours after the final whistle, with the vast majority of Kenyan football fans backing Argentina to lift the trophy in the final.
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