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Argentina rally to beat England 2-1, reach World Cup final vs Spain

sportsJul 16, 2026805,342

Argentina came from behind to beat England 2-1 in the World Cup semi-final, with Lionel Messi creating both decisive goals: Enzo Fernández's equaliser and a late strike by substitute Lautaro Martínez that completed the turnaround. England had taken the lead shortly after halftime through Anthony Gordon, but manager Thomas Tuchel's move to a five-man defence, including the introduction of Dan Burn, failed to hold the lead; Tuchel later brought on Ivan Toney and Marcus Rashford but the game slipped away. The match in Atlanta featured heavy tension, including prolonged jeering of both national anthems before kickoff. After the final whistle Argentina players unfurled a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas," referencing the Falklands, drawing attention beyond the pitch. Argentina advance to the World Cup final against Spain.

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani
@mayor.nyc.gov

The beautiful game. The people’s game. Throughout this World Cup, we have been reminded of a simple truth: football belongs to everyone. So does the joy and community it creates. Yesterday, I joined New Yorkers on Rikers Island to watch England take on Argentina.

Mayor Mamdani greets detainees in Rikers Island jail for a World Cup watch party.
391344d ago
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