Argentina Beats England 2-1 to Reach 2026 World Cup Final

Messi Powers Comeback Victory

The Argentine side overturned a 1‑0 deficit against England, delivering two goals in under ten minutes to secure a 2‑1 win. Lionel Messi’s side struck quickly after falling behind, while Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham’s side could not hold on. This result puts Argentina into Sunday’s championship match, and ends England’s long wait for a World Cup title since 1966.

Spain Clinches First Final Spot

Spain advanced to the championship game with a 2‑0 triumph over France on Tuesday afternoon. Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Pedro Porro added a second half marker. The victory showcases Spain’s dominance and sets up a showdown against the defending champions.

Final Details and Venue

The final will kick off at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday at New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Fans can expect a high‑stakes match between two of the tournament’s top performers. The location provides a prominent stage for the tournament’s concluding match.

Betting Odds and Predictions

• Spain is listed as a -175 favorite to capture the title, while Argentina sits at +125 underdog at BetMGM.
• Prediction markets at Kalshi give Spain a 58% chance of winning, with Argentina at 42%.
• Oddsmakers have positioned Messi’s Argentina as the underdog despite their recent momentum.

What This Means for the Tournament

Argentina’s resilience mirrors its history of dramatic comebacks, reinforcing its status as the defending champion. England’s exit underscores the difficulty of breaking the long World Cup drought dating back to 1966. Spain’s steady performance suggests they are the favorite to add a third trophy to their collection.