Argentina reaches World Cup final amid controversy

Argentina advanced to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England in a tense semifinal on Wednesday, July 15, but the match's aftermath has been dominated by controversy over provocative celebrations and a post-game altercation. The defending champions will face Spain in the final on Sunday, July 19, in New Jersey.

Trailing after Anthony Gordon's 55th-minute goal for England, Argentina equalized through Enzo Fernández in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martínez scored the winner in the second minute of stoppage time. Statistical analysis showed England possessed the ball only 12% of the time between Gordon's opener and Martínez's decisive goal, highlighting Argentina's late dominance. England, which had relied heavily on the scoring of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham throughout the tournament, will now play France in the third-place match on Saturday, July 18.

The emotional clash spilled over after the final whistle, with England players confronting Argentine players. A focal point was an incident where England's Jude Bellingham slapped Argentine substitute Valentín Barco in the back of the head. While Bellingham was initially criticized,...