{"id":4652,"date":"2026-07-16T08:37:22","date_gmt":"2026-07-16T08:37:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/?p=4652"},"modified":"2026-07-16T08:37:22","modified_gmt":"2026-07-16T08:37:22","slug":"defending-champion-argentina-reaches-world-cup-final-by-beating-england-2-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/?p=4652","title":{"rendered":"Defending champion Argentina reaches World Cup final by beating England 2-1"},"content":{"rendered":"<div><div><p><strong>By JAMES ROBSON, AP Soccer Writer<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>ATLANTA (AP) \u2014 No\u00a0\u201cHand of God\u201d\u00a0this time. Argentina didn\u2019t need it.<\/p>\n<p>Instead it was the\u00a0hallowed feet of Lionel Messi\u00a0and the unbreakable spirit of a team that has repeatedly fought back at this year\u2019s\u00a0World Cup\u00a0that is now one step away from back-to-back titles.<\/p><p>Read more <a href=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/?p=4630\">Dear Abby: I want my wife to stop ogling men. Her therapist says I\u2019m narcissistic.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Trailing 1-0 going into the 85th minute, Argentina rallied for a\u00a02-1 victory over England\u00a0on Wednesday with goals from Enzo Fernandez and substitute Lautaro Martinez.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI dreamed it, I swear. I told Alexis (Mac Allister) that I was going to score. I told him that I was going to come on and I was going to win it,\u201d Martinez said. \u201cI can tell you this team keeps showing what it\u2019s made of.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>At the final whistle, Messi fell to his knees in celebration while England players collapsed in disbelief \u2014 again.<\/p>\n<div><ul><div><div><li><div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Argentina\u2019s Lionel Messi celebrates after teammate Lautaro Martinez scored their...\" class=\"wp-image-4632\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4b3a8746d89f89f1d91d7529f73c0ed9-1024x683.webp\" width=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4b3a8746d89f89f1d91d7529f73c0ed9-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4b3a8746d89f89f1d91d7529f73c0ed9-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4b3a8746d89f89f1d91d7529f73c0ed9-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4b3a8746d89f89f1d91d7529f73c0ed9-1536x1024.webp 1536w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4b3a8746d89f89f1d91d7529f73c0ed9.webp 1860w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<div>Argentina\u2019s Lionel Messi celebrates after teammate Lautaro Martinez scored their side\u2019s second goal during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between England and Argentina in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (AP Photo\/Rebecca Blackwell)\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><li><div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Argentina\u2019s Lautaro Martinez hugs teammate Lionel Messi celebrating after scoring...\" class=\"wp-image-4633\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/e8fb278bc11fb41ead10f24d58b75a3c-1024x683.webp\" width=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/e8fb278bc11fb41ead10f24d58b75a3c-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/e8fb278bc11fb41ead10f24d58b75a3c-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/e8fb278bc11fb41ead10f24d58b75a3c-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/e8fb278bc11fb41ead10f24d58b75a3c-1536x1024.webp 1536w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/e8fb278bc11fb41ead10f24d58b75a3c.webp 1860w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<div>Argentina\u2019s Lautaro Martinez hugs teammate Lionel Messi celebrating after scoring their side\u2019s second goal during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between England and Argentina in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (AP Photo\/Rebecca Blackwell)\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><li><div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"England\u2019s Harry Kane (9) and England\u2019s Jude Bellingham (10) are...\" class=\"wp-image-4634\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/a7fa2c8aa189e72b3f9598f7bdcbc02b-1024x682.webp\" width=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/a7fa2c8aa189e72b3f9598f7bdcbc02b-1024x682.webp 1024w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/a7fa2c8aa189e72b3f9598f7bdcbc02b-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/a7fa2c8aa189e72b3f9598f7bdcbc02b-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/a7fa2c8aa189e72b3f9598f7bdcbc02b-1536x1023.webp 1536w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/a7fa2c8aa189e72b3f9598f7bdcbc02b.webp 1786w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<div>England\u2019s Harry Kane (9) and England\u2019s Jude Bellingham (10) are dejected at the end of the World Cup semifinal soccer match between England and Argentina in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (AP Photo\/Jeff Roberson)\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><li><div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Argentina\u2019s Lionel Messi celebrates after Enzo Fernandez scored their side\u2019s...\" class=\"wp-image-4635\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/58788220c36f9d1ea5d3785228463ac9-1024x682.webp\" width=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/58788220c36f9d1ea5d3785228463ac9-1024x682.webp 1024w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/58788220c36f9d1ea5d3785228463ac9-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/58788220c36f9d1ea5d3785228463ac9-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/58788220c36f9d1ea5d3785228463ac9-1536x1023.webp 1536w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/58788220c36f9d1ea5d3785228463ac9.webp 1860w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<div>Argentina\u2019s Lionel Messi celebrates after Enzo Fernandez scored their side\u2019s first goal during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between England and Argentina in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (AP Photo\/Rebecca Blackwell)\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><li><div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Argentina\u2019s Enzo Fernandez (24) reacts after their win the World...\" class=\"wp-image-4636\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/cff59c0e4b42bbd163c2d961f540a785-1024x682.webp\" width=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/cff59c0e4b42bbd163c2d961f540a785-1024x682.webp 1024w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/cff59c0e4b42bbd163c2d961f540a785-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/cff59c0e4b42bbd163c2d961f540a785-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/cff59c0e4b42bbd163c2d961f540a785-1536x1023.webp 1536w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/cff59c0e4b42bbd163c2d961f540a785.webp 1860w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<div>Argentina\u2019s Enzo Fernandez (24) reacts after their win the World Cup semifinal soccer match between England and Argentina in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (AP Photo\/Jacob Kupferman)\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><li><div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Argentina\u2019s Enzo Fernandez celebrates after scoring his side\u2019s first goal...\" class=\"wp-image-4637\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/69f749d819d1c83ea4200fd3654dcdad-1024x682.webp\" width=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/69f749d819d1c83ea4200fd3654dcdad-1024x682.webp 1024w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/69f749d819d1c83ea4200fd3654dcdad-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/69f749d819d1c83ea4200fd3654dcdad-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/69f749d819d1c83ea4200fd3654dcdad-1536x1023.webp 1536w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/69f749d819d1c83ea4200fd3654dcdad.webp 1860w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<div>Argentina\u2019s Enzo Fernandez celebrates after scoring his side\u2019s first goal during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between England and Argentina in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (AP Photo\/Rebecca Blackwell)\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><li><div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Argentina\u2019s Lionel Messi (10) cerebrates the first goal of his...\" class=\"wp-image-4638\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c99bfec5790dadb49774b37601fdc2ca-1024x682.webp\" width=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c99bfec5790dadb49774b37601fdc2ca-1024x682.webp 1024w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c99bfec5790dadb49774b37601fdc2ca-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c99bfec5790dadb49774b37601fdc2ca-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c99bfec5790dadb49774b37601fdc2ca-1536x1023.webp 1536w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c99bfec5790dadb49774b37601fdc2ca.webp 1860w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<div>Argentina\u2019s Lionel Messi (10) cerebrates the first goal of his team during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between England and Argentina in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (AP Photo\/Stephanie Scarbrough)\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><li><div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Argentina\u2019s Lionel Messi celebrates after teammate Lautaro Martinez scored their...\" class=\"wp-image-4639\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/43556428af2afed5afd54c7d72cdd70b-1024x682.webp\" width=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/43556428af2afed5afd54c7d72cdd70b-1024x682.webp 1024w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/43556428af2afed5afd54c7d72cdd70b-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/43556428af2afed5afd54c7d72cdd70b-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/43556428af2afed5afd54c7d72cdd70b-1536x1024.webp 1536w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/43556428af2afed5afd54c7d72cdd70b.webp 1859w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<div>Argentina\u2019s Lionel Messi celebrates after teammate Lautaro Martinez scored their side\u2019s second goal during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between England and Argentina in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (AP Photo\/Rebecca Blackwell)\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><li><div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Argentina\u2019s Lionel Messi (10) cerebrates the second goal of his...\" class=\"wp-image-4640\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/faf7063fad961b8471138e15fa403f8a-1024x683.webp\" width=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/faf7063fad961b8471138e15fa403f8a-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/faf7063fad961b8471138e15fa403f8a-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/faf7063fad961b8471138e15fa403f8a-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/faf7063fad961b8471138e15fa403f8a-1536x1024.webp 1536w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/faf7063fad961b8471138e15fa403f8a.webp 1860w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<div>Argentina\u2019s Lionel Messi (10) cerebrates the second goal of his team during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between England and Argentina in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (AP Photo\/Stephanie Scarbrough)\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><li><div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford (1) can\u2019t stop Argentina\u2019s first goal...\" class=\"wp-image-4641\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/87597a071032c867ba8ded80bae50238-1024x683.webp\" width=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/87597a071032c867ba8ded80bae50238-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/87597a071032c867ba8ded80bae50238-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/87597a071032c867ba8ded80bae50238-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/87597a071032c867ba8ded80bae50238-1536x1024.webp 1536w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/87597a071032c867ba8ded80bae50238.webp 1860w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<div>England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford (1) can\u2019t stop Argentina\u2019s first goal by Argentina\u2019s Enzo Fernandez during the World Cup semifinal soccer match in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (AP Photo\/Lynne Sladky)\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><li><div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Referee Ismail Elfath, of the United States, separates players as...\" class=\"wp-image-4642\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/beedc574e9b552b8e33ac93785fe4a8b-1024x682.webp\" width=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/beedc574e9b552b8e33ac93785fe4a8b-1024x682.webp 1024w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/beedc574e9b552b8e33ac93785fe4a8b-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/beedc574e9b552b8e33ac93785fe4a8b-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/beedc574e9b552b8e33ac93785fe4a8b-1536x1023.webp 1536w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/beedc574e9b552b8e33ac93785fe4a8b.webp 1860w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<div>Referee Ismail Elfath, of the United States, separates players as he issues a yellow card to England\u2019s Elliot Anderson during the World Cup semifinal soccer match against Argentina in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (AP Photo\/Lynne Sladky)\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><li><div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"A fan takes a selfie before the World Cup semifinal...\" class=\"wp-image-4643\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/d077353bc71944fb9cd8d141f10a1257-1024x682.webp\" width=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/d077353bc71944fb9cd8d141f10a1257-1024x682.webp 1024w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/d077353bc71944fb9cd8d141f10a1257-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/d077353bc71944fb9cd8d141f10a1257-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/d077353bc71944fb9cd8d141f10a1257-1536x1023.webp 1536w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/d077353bc71944fb9cd8d141f10a1257.webp 1860w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<div>A fan takes a selfie before the World Cup semifinal soccer match between England and Argentina in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (AP Photo\/Stephanie Scarbrough)\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><li><div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"England\u2019s Anthony Gordon (18) celebrates after scoring the opening goal...\" class=\"wp-image-4644\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/e392c973414e7399600510522bf8e5c7-1024x682.webp\" width=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/e392c973414e7399600510522bf8e5c7-1024x682.webp 1024w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/e392c973414e7399600510522bf8e5c7-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/e392c973414e7399600510522bf8e5c7-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/e392c973414e7399600510522bf8e5c7-1536x1023.webp 1536w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/e392c973414e7399600510522bf8e5c7.webp 1860w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<div>England\u2019s Anthony Gordon (18) celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between England and Argentina in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (AP Photo\/Stephanie Scarbrough)\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><li><div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"England\u2019s Jude Bellingham (10) challenges for the ball with Argentina\u2019s...\" class=\"wp-image-4645\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/333b226fc3e88efc0301101234f3706f-1024x683.webp\" width=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/333b226fc3e88efc0301101234f3706f-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/333b226fc3e88efc0301101234f3706f-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/333b226fc3e88efc0301101234f3706f-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/333b226fc3e88efc0301101234f3706f.webp 1317w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<div>England\u2019s Jude Bellingham (10) challenges for the ball with Argentina\u2019s Nahuel Molina (26) during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between England and Argentina in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (AP Photo\/Jeff Roberson)\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><li><div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"England\u2019s Jude Bellingham (10) shoots on goal during the World...\" class=\"wp-image-4646\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c630b49cf148c94e1e42fb3326a6ab94-1024x683.webp\" width=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c630b49cf148c94e1e42fb3326a6ab94-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c630b49cf148c94e1e42fb3326a6ab94-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c630b49cf148c94e1e42fb3326a6ab94-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c630b49cf148c94e1e42fb3326a6ab94-1536x1024.webp 1536w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c630b49cf148c94e1e42fb3326a6ab94.webp 1860w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<div>England\u2019s Jude Bellingham (10) shoots on goal during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between England and Argentina in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (AP Photo\/Jeff Roberson)\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><li><div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"England\u2019s Harry Kane, right, vies for the ball with Argentina\u2019s...\" class=\"wp-image-4647\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4848ab2e2a50e7cd92655e4016f3f372-1024x682.webp\" width=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4848ab2e2a50e7cd92655e4016f3f372-1024x682.webp 1024w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4848ab2e2a50e7cd92655e4016f3f372-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4848ab2e2a50e7cd92655e4016f3f372-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4848ab2e2a50e7cd92655e4016f3f372-1536x1023.webp 1536w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/4848ab2e2a50e7cd92655e4016f3f372.webp 1860w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<div>England\u2019s Harry Kane, right, vies for the ball with Argentina\u2019s Lionel Messi during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between England and Argentina in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (AP Photo\/Rebecca Blackwell)\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><li><div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"England\u2019s Anthony Gordon (18) scores their opening goal during the...\" class=\"wp-image-4648\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/bc8acde0312d6c4afb9329359d6e8f3e-1024x683.webp\" width=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/bc8acde0312d6c4afb9329359d6e8f3e-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/bc8acde0312d6c4afb9329359d6e8f3e-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/bc8acde0312d6c4afb9329359d6e8f3e-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/bc8acde0312d6c4afb9329359d6e8f3e-1536x1024.webp 1536w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/bc8acde0312d6c4afb9329359d6e8f3e.webp 1650w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<div>England\u2019s Anthony Gordon (18) scores their opening goal during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between England and Argentina in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (AP Photo\/Jeff Roberson)\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><li><div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"England and Argentina stand before the World Cup semifinal soccer...\" class=\"wp-image-4649\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/e02dac8fa4e786ef77bd468e4ec7a55d-1024x683.webp\" width=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/e02dac8fa4e786ef77bd468e4ec7a55d-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/e02dac8fa4e786ef77bd468e4ec7a55d-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/e02dac8fa4e786ef77bd468e4ec7a55d-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/e02dac8fa4e786ef77bd468e4ec7a55d-1536x1024.webp 1536w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/e02dac8fa4e786ef77bd468e4ec7a55d.webp 1860w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<div>England and Argentina stand before the World Cup semifinal soccer match between England and Argentina in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (AP Photo\/George Walker IV)\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><li><div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Former England soccer player David Beckham, right, stands before the...\" class=\"wp-image-4650\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/6f3eb72013a62f546badd6f2b3b65d4b-1024x683.webp\" width=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/6f3eb72013a62f546badd6f2b3b65d4b-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/6f3eb72013a62f546badd6f2b3b65d4b-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/6f3eb72013a62f546badd6f2b3b65d4b-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/6f3eb72013a62f546badd6f2b3b65d4b-1536x1024.webp 1536w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/6f3eb72013a62f546badd6f2b3b65d4b.webp 1860w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<div>Former England soccer player David Beckham, right, stands before the start of the World Cup semifinal soccer match between England and Argentina in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (AP Photo\/Jacob Kupferman)\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><li><div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates with his teammates at the end...\" class=\"wp-image-4651\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ba1b76622cfc081fa491a784598c2dc0-1024x682.webp\" width=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ba1b76622cfc081fa491a784598c2dc0-1024x682.webp 1024w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ba1b76622cfc081fa491a784598c2dc0-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ba1b76622cfc081fa491a784598c2dc0-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ba1b76622cfc081fa491a784598c2dc0-1536x1023.webp 1536w, https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ba1b76622cfc081fa491a784598c2dc0.webp 1860w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<div>Argentina&#8217;s Lionel Messi celebrates with his teammates at the end of the World Cup semifinal soccer match between England and Argentina in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (AP Photo\/Rebecca Blackwell)\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><\/div><\/div><\/ul><div><button>Show Caption<\/button><div><span>1<\/span> of <span>20<\/span><\/div><div>Argentina\u2019s Lionel Messi celebrates after teammate Lautaro Martinez scored their side\u2019s second goal during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between England and Argentina in Atlanta, Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (AP Photo\/Rebecca Blackwell)\n<\/div><span>Expand<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<p>Add 2026 to 1986 and 1998 on the list of games when Argentina has extinguished English hopes at the World Cup.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m gutted for the team, the staff, the fans,\u201d England captain Harry Kane said. \u201cWe worked so hard to be here. The lads have given every bit of blood, sweat and tears. To fall short like we did is just gutting.\u201d<\/p> <div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The defending champions will take on European champion Spain\u00a0in the final on Sunday\u00a0in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The best that South America has to offer against the best of Europe.<\/p>\n<p>The loss for England will hurt a new generation of fans in a similar way to Diego Maradona\u2019s infamous handball goal in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinals and the penalty shootout loss in 1998 when David Beckham was sent off for kicking Diego Simeone.<\/p>\n<p>The difference is there can be no sense of injustice this time, even if England had victory in its sights after Anthony Gordon scored the opening goal in the 55th minute.<\/p>\n<p>The team was hanging on as the game wore on. England goalkeeper Jordon Pickford made vital saves while Mac Allister sent a header off the post as wave after wave of Argentina attacks came.<\/p><p>Read more <a href=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/?p=4629\">Suspect charged in hit-and-run death of Oakland bicyclist<\/a><\/p> <div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Messi had largely been kept quiet. But when he\u2019s on the field, anything seems possible.<\/p>\n<p>He fed the ball to Fernandez to sweep in the equalizer from outside the box in the 85th minute. And two minutes into stoppage time, Messi sent in a cross for Martinez to head in the winner.<\/p>\n<p>It almost felt inevitable. Especially given the amount times Argentina has simply refused to give in at this year\u2019s World Cup. From Cape Verde to Egypt, Messi and Co. always seem to find a way.<\/p>\n<p>England, in contrast, came up short in the World Cup semifinals for the third time after losses to Germany in 1990 and Croatia in 2018. And it\u2019s another occasion in recent years when England\u2019s players have squandered a winning position in the later stages of a major tournament.<\/p>\n<p>They led 1-0 against Croatia in the semifinals eight years ago and lost 2-1. They were up 1-0 against Italy in the European Championship final in 2021 and lost on penalties.<\/p>\n<p>On Wednesday,\u00a0England coach Thomas Tuchel\u2019s substitutions\u00a0seemed to be more intent on holding on, rather than killing the game off with another goal.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe played a good game for the majority of it. When we went 1-0 up, we seemed to just try to hold on, which at this level is not enough,\u201d Kane said. \u201cWe talk about knocking on the door. We\u2019re close, we just need to find that missing piece in the final stage of the tournament.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In contrast, Argentina is one step away from history. Messi, now 39 and likely playing at his last World Cup, is one win away from further strengthening his case to be considered the greatest soccer player of all time.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019re going to try to win, we\u2019re going to leave everything out there,\u201d Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said. \u201cIt\u2019s very difficult to get people to understand what these players are showing. It\u2019s incredible. We are unique, truly, and it\u2019s not arrogance, it\u2019s from the heart. We are unique.\u201d<\/p><p>Read more <a href=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/?p=4628\">Warriors draftee Alex Toohey nearing end of arduous journey back from knee injury<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>MORE: 2026 men\u2019s World Cup bracket<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>James Robson is at https:\/\/x.com\/jamesalanrobson<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>See more of AP\u2019s World Cup coverage here<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Defending champion Argentina rallied to beat England 2-1 and reach the World Cup final. Trailing 1-0 going into the last five minutes of regulation time, Enzo Fernandez and substitute Lautaro Martinez scored for Argentina.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4631,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4652","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sports"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Defending champion Argentina reaches World Cup final by beating England 2-1 - Next City Digest<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/nextcitydigest.com\/?p=4652\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Defending champion Argentina reaches World Cup final by beating England 2-1 - Next City Digest\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Defending champion Argentina rallied to beat England 2-1 and reach the World Cup final. 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