Argentina World Cup hopes hinge on Martínez’s stoppage‑time heroics

Argentina secured their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Wednesday after Lautaro Martínez’s stoppage‑time header from Lionel Messi’s cross erased a 1‑0 deficit to give a 2‑1 comeback win over England, setting up a Sunday clash with Spain. Enzo Fernández gave Argentina the equaliser in the 41st minute of the second half, restoring parity after England had gone ahead. In stoppage time, Lautaro Martínez met Lionel Messi’s delivery with a powerful header that left Jordan Pickford with no chance, sealing the 2‑1 victory. England had taken the lead ten minutes into the second half when Anthony Gordon converted a Morgan Rogers cross. The forward was recently signed by Barcelona.

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The opening half was a physical battle, with no shot recorded in the first 30 minutes – a World Cup first. The referee booked seven fouls from England and twelve from Argentina, underscoring the intensity. The fixture entered the record books as the inaugural World Cup match without a single shot in the opening half‑hour. In the second half, Julián Álvarez unleashed a shot that Jordan Pickford saved. Pickford later forced the ball onto the woodwork, denying Argentina a further chance.

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After conceding, England retreated into a defensive shell, abandoning their earlier attacking intent. The Argentine side then dominated the remainder of the match, creating the opportunities that led to the winner. The victory confirms Argentina’s spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where they will meet Spain on Sunday, completing a dramatic turnaround from Wednesday’s win over England. The upcoming Sunday showdown with Spain will decide the tournament winner.