MOGADISHU, Somalia — July 16, 2026 —Argentina secured a 2-1 victory over England in the FIFA World Cup semi-final on Wednesday , booking a place in the tournament’s final against Spain after a closely contested match. The game also attracted thousands of football fans across Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, where hotels, restaurants, cafés, and public viewing venues were filled with supporters watching the action live on giant screens.

Argentina overturned England’s second-half lead to claim a place in the FIFA World Cup final, where they will face Spain, who advanced after defeating France 2-0 in the other semi-final.

England had taken the lead early in the second half through Anthony Gordon after a pass from Morgan Rogers. Argentina responded with two goals to complete the comeback and eliminate the Three Lions from the tournament.

The victory sends Argentina into another World Cup final, while England will now prepare for the third-place playoff against France.

The semi-final attracted significant international attention, with football fans following the match across multiple continents as two of the tournament’s strongest teams competed for a place in the final.

Mogadishu Fans Fill Big Screen Viewing Venues

In Mogadishu, football supporters gathered in large numbers throughout the evening to watch the semi-final live.

Hotels, restaurants, cafés, and dedicated sports viewing venues reported high attendance as fans watched the match on large outdoor and indoor screens. Some major roads experienced increased traffic before kickoff as supporters travelled to popular viewing locations.

Local residents said the atmosphere resembled previous major international football tournaments, with supporters wearing national team jerseys, waving flags, and celebrating key moments throughout the match.

The popularity of public screenings has continued to grow in Mogadishu during the tournament, with businesses using giant screens to attract customers seeking to watch World Cup matches in groups.

Community members said football remains one of the most widely followed sports in Somalia despite the country’s long-running security and political challenges.

Argentina Advance to the Final

Argentina’s victory means the South American side will meet Spain in the FIFA World Cup final.

Spain secured their place after defeating France 2-0 in the first semi-final, setting up a final between two of international football’s most successful nations.

England, meanwhile, will face France in the tournament’s third-place playoff.

Tournament organizers said the final is expected to attract one of the largest global television audiences of the year.

The FIFA World Cup remains the world’s most-watched sporting event, drawing billions of viewers during every edition of the tournament.

In Somalia, international football has become increasingly popular over the past decade despite limited domestic sports infrastructure. Public screenings of major football matches have become common in Mogadishu, particularly during the FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championship, and UEFA Champions League.

Hotels and restaurants frequently install giant screens during major tournaments, allowing supporters to watch matches together late into the night.

Large public gatherings for football matches have become a regular feature of life in the Somali capital whenever major international tournaments reach the knockout stages.

Argentina’s victory sets up one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament, with the South American champions preparing to face Spain for the FIFA World Cup title. The final will determine the tournament champion after weeks of competition involving teams from around the world.

The large crowds seen across Mogadishu also highlight football’s growing social importance in Somalia. Public screenings have become community events that bring together people of different ages and backgrounds around international sporting occasions.

For local businesses, major football tournaments continue to provide increased customer traffic, particularly for hotels, cafés, and restaurants offering live broadcasts on giant screens. The trend reflects the expanding demand for communal sports viewing experiences in the Somali capital.

With the World Cup now entering its final stage, attention will shift to the championship match between Argentina and Spain, while England and France prepare to contest the third-place playoff.