Argentina face FIFA fine after displaying Falklands banner following World Cup semi-final victory

By Rohan Gupta — 15 July 2026 — 4 min read

Argentina could face a fine from FIFA after players displayed a banner supporting their country’s claim to the Falkland Islands following their World Cup semi-final win against England. The defending world champions secured a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against Thomas Tuchel‘s side in Atlanta, earning a spot in the final against Spain.

After the match, players were observed celebrating with a banner that read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” which translates to “The Falklands are Argentine.” This action could lead to a fine, similar to a previous incident in 2014 when the Argentine Football Association was fined £20,000 by FIFA for a similar display before a friendly match against Slovenia. FIFA had stated that the gesture violated rules concerning political actions and team misconduct.

Historical Tensions and Political Statements

The United Kingdom and Argentina engaged in a conflict over the Falkland Islands, an archipelago in the South Atlantic Ocean, from April to June 1982. The islands have been a British Overseas Territory since 1833, but Argentina maintains that they should have sovereignty over the territory, which is located approximately 300 miles off its east coast. The 74-day conflict resulted in the deaths of 655 Argentine and 255 British servicemen, along with three people from the islands.

The rivalry between Argentina and England is deeply rooted in football, history, politics, and colonialism, spanning generations. This semi-final match was held under heightened security measures due to the historical tensions between the two nations. Even without England as the opposition, the chant “And now you see, and now you see, whoever doesn’t jump is English” is a common fixture among Argentina’s football fans and players, reflecting a long-standing aspect of their football identity.

Prior to the semi-final, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni had stated his intention not to mix football and politics. He commented that the match was a football game and that he could not mix things up, especially out of respect for the events of many years ago, describing it as a very sad period in their history. Scaloni also noted that while people are remembered, it is a football match and the two should not be confused.

However, Argentina vice-president Victoria Villarruel referenced a chant sung by the players after their 3-2 victory over Egypt in the last 16, which mentioned the Falklands, along with Argentine football legends Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi. Villarruel posted on social media, stating that the match was more than just another game, especially against the English, and that it involved the Malvinas, Diego, and Leo’s last tournament, aiming to put the invaders in their place. She concluded with “Long live Argentina! Because until our very last breath, we will reclaim what is ours!”

The Rivalry’s Enduring Legacy

The football rivalry between Argentina and England has been marked by controversy, red cards, and iconic goals since its first World Cup meeting in 1962. The tensions intensified four years later in 1966 when England defeated Argentina 1-0 in the quarter-finals, a match still remembered in Argentina for perceived injustices, including claims of an offside goal and the sending off of Argentina captain Antonio Rattin.

The 1986 World Cup quarter-final, played four years after the Falklands War, is considered a defining moment in the rivalry. In that match, Diego Maradona scored the infamous “Hand of God” goal, followed by the “Goal of the Century” just four minutes later. Argentina ultimately went on to win the World Cup that year.

Subsequent encounters have also added to the rivalry’s rich history. The 1998 World Cup Round of 16 match saw David Beckham receive a red card, and Argentina advanced after a penalty shootout. In 2002, England secured a 1-0 victory with Beckham converting a penalty. The semi-final match saw England lose to late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez.

For Lionel Messi, this semi-final marked a significant moment in his career. The Argentina Football Association described it as “the match fate owed Messi,” as he had not faced England in a World Cup match before this encounter. Many iconic Argentine number 10s, including Antonio Rattin, Diego Maradona, and Ariel Ortega, have experienced this rivalry.

The match in Atlanta brought together two nations with a complex shared history, where football often serves as a stage for deeper national sentiments. The celebrations and the banner display underscore the ongoing connection between sports and national identity for Argentina.

Source: bbc.com