Argentina defeats England to reach FIFA World Cup 2026 final

Defending champions Argentina secured a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final after defeating England 2–1 in the second semifinal. Argentina will face Spain in the championship match on July 19 in Atlanta.

Following the victory, several Argentina players displayed a banner on the field reading, "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" ("The Malvinas/Falkland Islands are Argentine"). The display drew widespread attention on social media, while multiple reports said tensions and scuffles broke out between some Argentina and England supporters. Officials have not released detailed information about the reported incidents.

The Falkland Islands, known as the Malvinas in Argentina, are a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic Ocean. Sovereignty over the islands has long been disputed, with both Argentina and the United Kingdom claiming them.

According to historical records, Argentine forces occupied the Falkland Islands on April 2, 1982. The United Kingdom regained control after a 74-day conflict. Argentina continues to claim sovereignty over the islands, while the United Kingdom maintains administrative control.