World Cup 2026: Argentina risk FIFA punishment after Falklands banner mars England defeat

Argentina could face disciplinary action from Fifa after their players reignited a long-running political dispute with Britain by displaying a banner supporting their country’s claim over the Falkland Islands following their World Cup semi-final victory against England.

The defending champions produced a stunning late comeback in Atlanta, overturning England’s lead with goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez to secure a 2-1 win and a place in Sunday’s final against Spain.

But the celebrations that followed the dramatic victory have placed Argentina under scrutiny, with players seen holding a banner that read: “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” – translated as “The Falklands are Argentine.”

The message refers to the disputed Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory in the South Atlantic that has been claimed by Argentina for decades.

Political message breaks Fifa rules

Fifa has previously punished Argentina for similar actions. In 2014, the Argentine Football Association was fined £20,000 after players displayed the same message before a friendly against Slovenia.

World football’s governing body ruled at the time that the banner breached regulations prohibiting political statements and misconduct by teams.

The latest incident could trigger another investigation, with British Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle describing the gesture as “entirely inappropriate” and suggesting Fifa would likely examine the matter.

“I think [an investigation] is certain to happen because it was such an egregious violation of the rules of not having political activity as part of the football,” Kyle told BBC Breakfast.

The Falkland Islands dispute remains one of the most sensitive issues between the two countries. Argentina and Britain fought a 74-day war over the islands in 1982, resulting in the deaths of 655 Argentine soldiers, 255 British servicemen and three island residents.

Argentina had warned against mixing football and politics

The controversy comes despite Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni previously insisting that football and political issues should not be combined ahead of the semi-final.

“The reality is that this is a football match. I can’t mix things up, especially out of respect for what happened so many years ago,” Scaloni said.

“It was a very sad period in our history, and there isn’t much we can do about it, that’s the reality.”

Argentina vice-president Victoria Villarruel also fuelled the debate after the match, posting on X alongside a video appearing to show Argentine soldiers: “It wasn’t just another match.”

She added: “The Falklands are Argentine. They banned bringing them to the stadium and forgot that we carry them in our blood and our hearts.”

The semi-final was played under heightened security measures because of the historic tensions between the two nations. Argentina will now prepare for the final, but the celebrations after their biggest victory of the tournament could leave them facing a battle with Fifa before lifting another World Cup trophy.