France, Spain, England and Argentina, semi-finalists of the 2026 World Cup

Agonizing comeback from Argentina against England

The Argentina National Team got a dramatic ticket to the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They beat England 2-1 in a heart-stopping semifinal, with two goals in the last minutes of regular and added time.

The English team had taken the lead in the 55th minute with a goal from Anthony Gordon. They controlled the game for much of the second half, but could not resist the intense pressure from the South American team.

Decisive goals at the end

Argentina never lowered its arms. With patience and order, he cornered the Europeans in their area. At minute 85, Enzo Fernández tied the score and restored hope to Lionel Scaloni’s team.

When everything indicated that the game would go to extra time, Lautaro Martínez appeared in the 90+2 minute. The striker scored with power to seal the comeback and unleash the Argentine celebration. England saw their lead disappear in a matter of minutes.

Argentina secures its place in the grand final, where it will seek the world title. England says goodbye to the tournament with an outstanding performance, but with the blow of having been so close to glory.

Spain wins the semi-finals

Spain secured its place in the World Cup final after beating France 2-0 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro were enough to eliminate the French team.

Luis de la Fuente spoke at a press conference about the message prior to the game. “We were facing one of the best teams in the world, but they were facing the best team in the world,” he declared. He highlighted that the key was “order, balance, sacrifice, effort and interpreting the phases of the game well.”

The Spanish coach assured that reaching the final “is not a coincidence, it is talent, work and sacrifice.” He praised his players: “They are an exceptional generation, with a commendable attitude.”

“We had no doubt that by being ourselves we were going to do a lot of damage to France. I am surprised by what this team is capable of, it improves from one game to the next.”

Regarding the rival in the final—Argentina or England—De la Fuente confessed that he would prefer to face Argentina because of his friendship with Lionel Scaloni, but he respects England’s potential.

“The finals are to be played. The most difficult step remains, but we are looking forward to playing it. We are not satisfied, we will go to fight to win the championship,” he stated.

Referee controversy in the 2026 World Cup

France’s defeat against Spain in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup left a strong exchange of statements. Didier Deschamps, coach of the Blues, openly questioned the Salvadoran referee Iván Barton.

“I don’t want to sound like a crybaby. But did tonight’s referee have the level to officiate a World Cup semi-final? I’ll leave the answer to you,” Deschamps declared.

The Frenchman added that there were “quite a few situations” and also “favorable decisions”, without giving more details.

The criticism did not go unnoticed. Hugo Sánchez, Mexican soccer legend, exploded against Deschamps on ESPN’s Futbol Picante program.

“Let’s see, Deschamps, I’m going to answer you. First, you must be respectful and professional. That way of belittling a referee from El Salvador seems fatal to me, you are ordinary and disastrous,” said Sánchez.

The “Pentapichichi” demanded an apology: “You must apologize for that stupidity and respect the referee. Out of anger you belittle a referee who does not deserve it. You look for justifications because you did not do it on the field.”

Deschamps, who will step down after 14 years at the helm of France, will coach the third-place match on Saturday in Miami. The controversy marks the closing of its cycle.