Argentina’s men’s national football team defeated England 2-1 in their 2026 World Cup semifinal to book a place in Sunday’s final against Spain. 

The match carried added significance given the teams’ long-standing rivalry, which dates back to their first World Cup meeting in 1966.

With the Albiceleste once again coming from behind to secure victory, the match drew widespread international attention.

England’s ‘dream over’

British newspapers focused largely on England’s elimination.

The Daily Telegraph led with “England’s World Cup dream over,” writing that the Three Lions had “snatched defeat from the jaws of victory” in the second half while also criticizing Argentina’s “dirty tactics.”

The Daily Mail declared it the “night our dream finally died” and questioned head coach Thomas Tuchel’s defensive approach after halftime.

The Daily Mirror opted for “Wonderbawl,” a play on the Oasis anthem that had become synonymous with England’s 2026 World Cup campaign, while lamenting there would be “no revenge” for Diego Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” goal in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal.

Spain eyes the final

Spain’s leading sports daily Marca highlighted Argentina’s comeback and described Sunday’s clash with La Roja as “the most beautiful final.”

AS recalled the Finalissima that never took place between the reigning European and South American champions and wrote that Argentina “always has one more life.”

Italy hails Lautaro

Italy’s leading sports newspapers turned their attention to Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martínez, whose goal secured Argentina’s place in the final.

La Gazzetta dello Sport splashed “Lautaro de Dios” — a nod to Maradona’s “Hand of God” — across its front page and praised Argentina’s “incredible comeback.”

Corriere dello Sport led with “It was the bull’s head,” referencing Martínez’s nickname, while describing Lionel Messi’s display as “science fiction.”

Beyond the sports pages

The semifinal also featured prominently in several general-interest newspapers.

The New York Times described it as “another masterpiece for Messi,” while the Atlanta Journal-Constitution called it “a fitting finale” for the city’s World Cup matches.

Cover image: Selección Argentina twitter