Argentina's yet another FIFA World Cup 2026 match caught in the flames of controversy as the defending champions faced England in the second semifinal.
Both teams were locked in a physical battle from the beginning, but the referee did not brandish a card at the start of the game to derail the high-stakes encounter.
Subsequently, fouls piled up on both sides. One particular incident, however, led to outrage on social media- a challenge from Argentinian midfielder Enzo Fernandez on Anderson. There were rallying cries on social media to penalise the Chelsea midfielder with a yellow card, given that he jabbed a blow on the neck of Anderson.
However, contrary to what people expected, referee Ismail Elfath allowed play to continue without showing a card, and VAR did not intervene.
Enzo Fernandez Yellow Card Offence On Elliott Anderson
The first major flashpoint of the game arrived inside three minutes when Enzo Fernández launched into Elliot Anderson with a robust challenge. The incident immediately divided opinion, as England supporters insisted the Argentina midfielder should have been shown at least a yellow card for what they viewed as a reckless tackle.
Here is how the incident unfolded:
NO LE SACARON TARJETA
Minuto 3, Enzo Fernández conecta un golpe en la nuca de un jugador inglés. El árbitro no señaló falta ni mostró tarjeta. pic.twitter.com/ayEQ16vSMC- José Ramón Fernández (@joserra_espn) July 15, 2026
The physical battle continued in what shaped the entirety of the game. But by halftime, only 2 yellow cards were brandished, one to Lisandro Martinez and another to Eliott Anderson.
Enzo Fernandes Scores A Screamer!
While the Chelsea midfielder's start was shaky, he proved decisive towards the end of the second half and equalised for his team. Trailing 1-0, the Chelsea midfielder brought the Albiceleste level in the 85th minute after receiving a perfectly weighted pass from Lionel Messi.
Fernández unleashed a curling strike from outside the 24-yard box that flew beyond Jordan Pickford and into the net, breathing new life into Argentina's campaign. His spectacular effort shifted the momentum completely, before Lautaro MartÍnez completed the comeback with a dramatic stoppage-time winner in the 92nd minute, sealing a 2-1 victory and Argentina's place in the World Cup final against Spain.
🚨 England joins the long list of Teams who have been Robbed by Argentina this World Cup
- Preeti (@MadridPreeti) July 15, 2026
Messi was clearly offside before he provided the assist to Enzo Fernandez. Absolute Robbery 🤯 pic.twitter.com/jhiul1hhiH
GRAVE! 🚨
- FLA Henrique (@flahenriquebr) July 15, 2026
Enzo Fernández comete sua terceira falta grave no jogo e, mais uma vez, não recebe cartão amarelo.
Thomas Tuchel: "Não cartão?" 🤬 pic.twitter.com/eqZ0jU0tUy
👀🇦🇷 Después de decir que esta vez el arbitraje no influyó, me pidieron revisar el partido con detalle y encontré esto.
Enzo Fernández, autor del gol del empate de Argentina, no debió terminar el encuentro.
Al minuto 3 lanzó un codazo en la nuca a un jugador inglés, sin ninguna… pic.twitter.com/ECDYvEbeaq- Arturo Villegas (@ArturoVill7) July 15, 2026
