The Argentine Football Association has designated July 15 as 'National Football Teams Day' to commemorate Argentina's victory over England in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup. The decision was announced following the team's 2-1 win, which saw Argentina score two late goals to secure their place in the final.
The match, held in Atlanta, was a tense affair where England initially took the lead in the 55th minute. Argentina responded in the 85th and 92nd minutes to clinch the win. This victory echoes Argentina's significant World Cup triumph against England 40 years prior, in the 1986 tournament.
Following the 2026 semi-final victory, some Argentine players celebrated with a banner that read "Las Malvinas son Argentinas," translating to "The Falklands are Argentine." This display amplified existing political tensions surrounding the fixture, as the Falkland Islands, a British Overseas Territory, are the subject of a sovereignty dispute between the UK and Argentina.
The islands, located off Argentina's east coast, were the site of a conflict in 1982 after Argentina, then under military junta rule, invaded. The 74-day war resulted in the deaths of 655 Argentine and 255 British servicemen, along with three island residents.
In a 2013 referendum, the inhabitants of the Falkland Islands voted overwhelmingly, 99.8%, to remain a territory of the UK.
Argentina ultimately lost the 2026 World Cup final 1-0 to Spain. England secured third place by defeating France 6-4.