3ETF1B8 Alexis Mac Allister of Argentina during the FIFA World Cup Group J match between Argentina and Austria at Dallas Stadium, Dallas on Monday 22nd June 2026. (Photo: Pat Isaacs | MI News) Credit: MI News & Sport /Alamy Live News
3ETF1B8 Alexis Mac Allister of Argentina during the FIFA World Cup Group J match between Argentina and Austria at Dallas Stadium, Dallas on Monday 22nd June 2026. (Photo: Pat Isaacs | MI News) Credit: MI News & Sport /Alamy Live News
Alexis Mac Allister was lauded for a combative and ultimately effective display for Argentina as they beat England 2-1 to reach another World Cup final.
Mac Allister will help Argentina defend their World Cup after overcoming England to set up a final against Spain on Sunday night.
It came in a fierce clash in Atlanta which saw Liverpool’s No. 10 make his presence felt early on, with a crunching challenge on Elliot Anderson setting the tone for things to come.
For much of the game, England were the better side, and that reflected in taking a second-half lead through Anthony Gordon.
But then Thomas Tuchel inexplicably changed approach and left England to sit back and defend their lead with 20 minutes to play – inviting Argentina to attack and leading to goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez.
Mac Allister went close to scoring himself on more than one occasion, including a point-blank header denied by Jordan Pickford, and his effort off the post led to Martinez’s winner.
How the media rated Alexis Mac Allister vs. England
Argentina's Enzo Fernandez (left) scores their side's first goal of the game during the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final match at the Atlanta Stadium. Picture date: Wednesday July 15, 2026.
Argentina's Enzo Fernandez (left) scores their side's first goal of the game during the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final match at the Atlanta Stadium. Picture date: Wednesday July 15, 2026.
The 27-year-old “was everywhere” as Argentina pushed for a comeback, with TyC Sports‘ Ernesto Provitilo rating him a seven out of 10.
“Like everyone else, he gave his all for every ball and contributed to winning back possession,” Provitilo wrote.
“When Argentina needed the equaliser, he was everywhere, heading the ball, hitting the woodwork. Another champion wanting to be champion again.”
ESPN‘s Nicholas Baier and GOAL‘s Ryan Tolmich both agreed on seven out of 10, with Baier writing that “amid a chaotic midfield battle, Mac Allister was a calm presence, conducting the play, and picking his moments to make surging runs into the box.”
Argentina's Lionel Messi (10) celebrates scoring his side's first goal against Austria with teammates during the World Cup Group J soccer match in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Monday, June 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Argentina's Lionel Messi (10) celebrates scoring his side's first goal against Austria with teammates during the World Cup Group J soccer match in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Monday, June 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Tolmich wrote: “Came so close to scoring twice, only to hit the post on both occasions. The second time led directly to Argentina’s winner, so he’ll probably be just fine with that.”
Ole‘s Hernan Claus awarded an eight out of 10, while Clarin‘s Diego Provenzano agreed having seen the midfielder “play a great match in the position where he performs best.”
What Alexis Mac Allister said about his ‘all out’ Argentina performances
Argentina's Alexis Mac Allister during a training session at Atlanta United Training Centre, Georgia. England will face Argentina in their FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final match on Wednesday. Picture date: Tuesday July 14, 2026.
Argentina's Alexis Mac Allister during a training session at Atlanta United Training Centre, Georgia. England will face Argentina in their FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final match on Wednesday. Picture date: Tuesday July 14, 2026.
Speaking to DSports after the game, Mac Allister explained his all-out approach for Argentina at the World Cup – which many watching on feels contrasts with his difficult campaign with Liverpool last time out.
“To be honest, I was definitely quite nervous in the lead-up to the match,” he said.
“Obviously, playing in the Premier League is different from not doing so, and facing England, there’s a lot at stake.
“But in the end, I love my country and my national team – I always give my all for them, and that wasn’t going to change.
“Of course, the respect is always there, because I was welcomed so well [in England], but as I said before, the most important thing to me is my national team and my country.”
100 greatest comparison FI
100 greatest comparison FI
England v Argentina – FIFA World Cup 2026 – Semi Final – Atlanta Stadium
England manager Thomas Tuchel ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final match at the Atlanta Stadium. Picture date: Wednesday July 15, 2026.
Sammy Lee, Zeljko Buvac, Tommy Elphick, Ronnie Moran, Steve Clarke collage
Sammy Lee, Zeljko Buvac, Tommy Elphick, Ronnie Moran, Steve Clarke collage