World Cup: Tuchel, Messi and why Argentina beat England in semifinal | World Cup 2026 News
Argentina Advances to World Cup Final with 2-1 Victory Over England
ATLANTA — Defending champions Argentina have secured their place in the World Cup final, defeating England 2-1 in a semifinal match on Wednesday at Atlanta Stadium.
La Albiceleste will face Spain in the final on Sunday, aiming for their fourth championship, having previously won titles in 1978 and 1986.
England, meanwhile, will compete against France in the third-place match as scrutiny begins regarding their defeat.
Several factors contributed to England’s loss, particularly their tactical shift after gaining a 1-0 lead from an Anthony Gordon goal in the 55th minute. Coach Thomas Tuchel faced criticism for reverting to a defensive formation that left the team vulnerable to Argentina’s relentless pressure. Following their goal, England held just 12 percent possession before conceding the equalizer and the late winner in stoppage time.
As the match progressed, six England defenders were often positioned behind the ball, which hindered their ability to advance and relieve pressure. Although goalkeeper Jordan Pickford delivered a standout performance, making crucial saves, Argentina’s offensive pressure proved difficult to contain. Notably, Alexis Mac Allister struck both posts before Argentina scored.
Tuchel accepted responsibility for the defeat but expressed no regrets regarding his strategy. “I have to make decisions on the pitch… the team gave everything,” he said in a post-match interview with the BBC.
This semifinal marks the third consecutive major championship loss for England after taking an early lead since the 2018 World Cup, following a pattern of a solid start devolving into defeat.
Messi Shines in Argentina’s Victory
Argentina’s Lionel Messi, at 39 years old, once again showcased his ability to lead his team. As in previous knockout matches, Messi played the entirety of the match, carefully managing his energy while maintaining his signature creativity on the field.
After a quiet start and enduring tight marking from England’s Elliot Anderson, Messi broke free mid-way through the first half, which proved pivotal. He assisted in both of Argentina’s goals, first setting up Enzo Fernandez to equalize before delivering a decisive cross that allowed Lautaro Martinez to score the winner.
Messi’s remarkable performance continues to defy age. He is currently tied for the Golden Boot with eight goals and has recorded four assists in this tournament, bringing his career World Cup totals to 21 goals and 12 assists—both records.
Tactical Disruptions by Argentina
Argentina employed various strategies to disrupt England’s flow, including fouls and tactical delays. The first half was atypical for a World Cup match, with no shots recorded in the opening 30 minutes. While England initially maintained composure, they struggled as the match progressed, hampered by Argentina’s tactics.
Unwavering Self-Belief Among Argentina Players
Despite not dominating in every match, Argentina has remained unbeaten in the tournament and consistently finds ways to win. Coach Lionel Scaloni praised his team’s resilience, stating, “This group never stops surprising me… we’re going to leave everything out there.”
Passionate Support from Fans
Argentina’s fervent fanbase created a vibrant atmosphere in Atlanta, providing unwavering support throughout the match. Fans chanted and cheered, contributing to an experience that felt like a home match for the team.
Gaston Reinoso, an Argentinian supporter who traveled from Houston, described the passion of the fan base as unparalleled. “When you are Argentinian, you feel football like religion,” he said. “This may be everything for you… everyone is united.”
