Good afternoon, fellow football fans. The second semi-final match has concluded today, with Argentina defeating England 2-1 and setting up a World Cup final against Spain.
World Cup Headlines
On July 16th, Beijing time, England faced Argentina in the World Cup semi-final. The first half ended goalless. In the second half, Gordon scored, but Enzo equalized with a long-range shot. In stoppage time, Messi assisted Lautaro Martinez for the winning goal. The match ended with Argentina defeating England 2-1, advancing to the final.
[A clash of titans from Europe and America! The USA-CMC World Cup final: Spain vs. Argentina]
The final matchup for the 2026 USA-Mexico World Cup has been decided: Spain vs. Argentina, with the European champions facing off against the Copa America champions in a clash of titans!
World Cup comments
Kane: After taking the lead, we just wanted to defend, but that doesn't work in the World Cup.
Kane: After taking the lead, we just wanted to defend and hold on to our advantage, but in a tournament like the World Cup, simply defending won't work.
Kane: We gave it our all, shed blood, sweat, and tears, but in the end, we still failed.
Kane: We know how much everyone has sacrificed to come here and support us. The support from the fans for every game has been incredible. We gave it our all, shedding blood, sweat, and tears, but ultimately we fell short.
[Tuchel: We played our best game of the tournament before we scored, and I have no regrets now.]
Tuchel: We were so close to victory, but after scoring, we became too passive.
Tuchel: I will continue to fulfill my contract until the European Championship at home. I look forward to moving forward. Although it's difficult to look that far into the future at this moment.
Scaloni: I simply can't put it into words. It's a joy I feel for the team and for our people.
Neville: We've seen the same thing before; England stops playing once they take the lead.
Neville: We've seen the movie (plot) before. England hasn't played since they scored.
Bellingham: This journey itself was precious. I wish I could have achieved a different result, fought for one or two more victories, but now I am filled with disappointment, my mind is a mess, and my thoughts are all jumbled up. I am truly sorry.
McAllister: That's football sometimes. Fortunately, we pinned them back in front of the penalty area, created several chances, and the goal followed.
Lautaro: Someone crossed the ball to me before, but it was blocked. This time I tried to stay behind the defender, and the ball ended up right in front of me.
Romero responds to Neville's pre-match criticism: "I hope I don't become so foolish after I retire."
Romero: I hope I won't criticize any player or anyone, because ultimately everyone goes on the field to do their best for their club and country.
Paredes: The Falklands War is a sad history, but today we bring joy to the Argentine people.
Paredes: We know we are fighting for this too, for everyone, for our people, and I think we have done it in the best way possible.
Panoramic World Cup
Thomas Tuchel, the England manager who just led his team to a defeat in the World Cup semi-finals, will continue to coach.
After the England vs. Argentina match, Bellingham was photographed hitting Argentina substitute Barentin Barco on the back of the head.
In the 2026 World Cup semi-final, Argentina came from behind to defeat England 2-1, advancing to the World Cup final for the 7th time in their history, second only to Germany.
Both World Cup semi-finals have concluded, with Argentina and Spain set to meet in the final. In the latest Ballon d'Or probability predictions from data agencies, Messi has risen to first place with a 40% chance, Yamal to second, and Kane to third.
According to the Daily Mail, clashes broke out between fans in the streets of Atlanta, USA, and several other parts of the UK after the game.
[TA: Spain recognized early on that left-back Digne was the weakest link in France's defense]
On July 15th, Beijing time, in the World Cup semi-final, France lost 0-2 to Spain. The Athletic analyzed the reasons for Spain's victory, believing that the team had made ample preparations beforehand.
[Falklands War veteran thanks Argentine players: They healed the long-standing wounds in our hearts]
Omar De Felippe, a veteran of the Falklands War, updated his social media to express his gratitude to the Argentine players.
On July 15th, Beijing time, the Croatian media outlet "Shammar" reprinted a letter from the Croatian Football Federation to FIFA. In the letter, the Croatian Football Federation requested clarification on VAR and referee decisions, and increased transparency following the chaotic final stages of Portugal's match.
[Tuchel out; a foreign coach will still not lead a team to World Cup victory]
Since both Argentina and Spain are coached by local coaches, there will be no foreign coach leading a team to victory in this World Cup.
France will face England for third place in this World Cup, marking their second consecutive World Cup encounter.
In the World Cup semi-final, England took the lead, then adopted a conservative tactic, and was ultimately defeated by Argentina – a scenario that reminded people of a match when Tuchel was in charge of Bayern Munich.
According to TyC's post, Argentine players were seen examining a water bottle after the match, which appeared to belong to Pickford and had a sticker on it showing the Argentine players' penalty kick habits.
Lautaro Martinez: England pressed high for the first 60 minutes, then ran out of energy.
Lautaro: England are exhausted. They pressed high for the first 60 minutes, but then ran out of steam.
Match Preview
Sunday, July 19
5:00 World Cup Third Place Match: France vs. England
