Defending champions Argentina staged a remarkable late recovery to defeat England 2-1 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, advancing to the final after two goals in the closing stages overturned Anthony Gordon’s second-half opener.
While England appeared on course for a historic victory at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, manager Thomas Tuchel’s tactical decisions in the latter part of the match drew immediate scrutiny as the Three Lions surrendered control and ultimately fell to a familiar knockout-stage exit.
England’s shift to a highly defensive posture after Gordon’s 55th-minute strike proved decisive.
Tuchel introduced multiple centre-backs and adopted a back-five formation, effectively “parking the bus” in an attempt to protect the lead. The changes removed attacking width and pace, leaving Harry Kane isolated and ceding territory to Argentina.
The move backfired as England’s possession share plummeted in the final half-hour.
Players struggled to compete in duels and maintain composure under sustained pressure, with reports indicating they held as little as 12% of the ball during a critical spell.
Late substitutions aimed at restoring attacking threat came too late to reverse the momentum.
Tuchel defended his in-game management afterwards, telling reporters he had “no regrets in the moment,” but the approach has been widely criticised for mirroring past conservative tendencies that have cost England in major tournaments.
Argentina capitalised ruthlessly on England’s retreat.
Captain Lionel Messi produced a masterclass in the final minutes, registering two assists that turned the contest.
In the 85th minute, Messi helped work a short-corner routine that ended with Enzo Fernández smashing home the equaliser from range.
Deep into stoppage time, the veteran forward delivered another precise cross from the right, which substitute Lautaro Martínez headed home at the far post for the winner.
The Albiceleste showed characteristic resilience, increasing pressure through tactical substitutions around the 72nd minute that created overloads on the flanks. Their experience in high-stakes matches and depth on the bench allowed them to maintain intensity while England faded.
The result adds another chapter to the storied England-Argentina rivalry and sends the two-time champions into Sunday’s final against Spain as they bid for back-to-back World Cup titles.
Football enthusiasts across Africa witnessed every moment of the thrilling encounter live on DStv, the platform delivering comprehensive World Cup coverage, including matches, highlights, and expert analysis to viewers continent-wide.
England can take pride in their run to the semi-finals, but the manner of the defeat will sting.
Argentina, meanwhile, march on — once again proving their champion pedigree in the most dramatic fashion.
