Argentina honours 2026 World Cup semi-final with National Football Teams Day

Argentina will observe 15 July each year as National Football Teams Day after the Argentine Football Association (AFA) unanimously approved the date to mark the national side’s dramatic 2-1 victory over England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final.

The decision was taken by the AFA Executive Committee at its training centre in Ezeiza. Although the date commemorates the senior men’s team’s comeback in Atlanta, the federation said the tribute would recognise every Argentina national team across all football disciplines.

Argentina had fallen behind when England forward Anthony Gordon scored in the second half. Lionel Scaloni’s side responded late in the match, with Enzo Fernandez equalising in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martinez scored the decisive goal in stoppage time.

The result secured Argentina’s place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final and turned the match into one of the tournament’s defining moments.

Explaining the decision, the AFA said, “The date was chosen to commemorate Argentina’s historic victory over England in the 2026 World Cup semi-final. Lionel Scaloni’s team was trailing England by a single goal, but with goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez, they turned the game around, sending the entire nation into a frenzy of celebration.”

The federation stressed that National Football Teams Day would not be restricted to the senior men’s side. It will also honour Argentina’s youth, men’s and women’s teams, as well as its futsal, beach soccer and field football teams.

“The recognition also extends to each and every one of the national teams, including youth, men’s and women’s, futsal, beach soccer and field football, who train every day at the Lionel Andres Messi training complex with the hope, joy and responsibility of representing Argentina,” the statement added.

The semi-final victory was followed by controversy after some Argentina players celebrated with chants and posters referring to the Falkland Islands, which are known in Argentina as the Malvinas.

Those celebrations attracted criticism in England and revived debate over the long-running sovereignty dispute between the two countries. Despite the fallout, the victory remained one of Argentina’s most celebrated World Cup successes.

National Football Teams Day will now be held annually as a celebration of the achievements, dedication and responsibility of all Argentina national teams.

The date is also intended to recognise the players and staff who train at the Lionel Andres Messi training complex while representing Argentina across the country’s different football disciplines.

Argentina forward Lautaro Martinez, left, heads the ball to score Argentina’s winning goal during the 2026 World Cup semi-final against England at Atlanta Stadium in July. Image: AFP