Argentina’s football association commemorates World Cup semi win over England

Argentina's players hold a banner reading "The Malvinas (Falkland Islands) belong to Argentina," after winning the 2026 World Cup football tournament semi-final match between England. Pic: Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images

Argentina’s World Cup semi-final win over England last month is being commemorated by the country’s football association.

The Argentinian football association (AFA) has established July 15 – the date of the 2-1 win in Atlanta – as its ‘National Football Teams Day’, following a meeting of its executive board on Wednesday.

“The date was chosen to commemorate Argentina’s historic victory over England in the World Cup semi-final,” an article on the AFA’s official website stated.

“Lionel Scaloni’s team was trailing the English side 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.

“But the tribute isn’t just for that milestone achieved by the senior national team.

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

FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the AFA over the displaying of a banner by players at the end of that match proclaiming the Falkland Islands belonged to Argentina.

Argentina players Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina are also being investigated by FIFA over their involvement in the brawl which followed the 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup final on July 19.

The team’s assistant coach Roberto Ayala is also being investigated in relation to that incident.