Argentina advanced to the 2026 World Cup final after a 2-1 comeback win over England, but their victory was marred by a series of underhanded tactics, as detailed in a minute-by-minute breakdown. The list includes 31 incidents ranging from early fouls to time-wasting and confrontations.
Early Aggression Sets the Tone
Within the first minute, Alexis Mac Allister fouled Elliot Anderson. Two minutes in, Leandro Paredes shoved Jude Bellingham, sparking a melee. Enzo Fernandez then arrived late on Anderson at three minutes, and Giuliano Simeone caught Anderson's foot at six minutes. England began retaliating by 11 minutes, when Fernandez fouled Anderson again.
Ongoing Disruptions
At 11 minutes, Morgan Rogers was tripped. Jordan Pickford collided with Simeone at 13 minutes after an offside flag, and Simeone flicked his boot at the goalkeeper. Paredes executed a robust challenge on Bellingham at 15 minutes. Anthony Gordon was hauled down by Simeone at 16 minutes, who then patted his head.
Referee Ismail Elfath warned Simeone about obstructing Pickford at a corner at 24 minutes, but Simeone did it anyway, leading to a whistle. Mac Allister arrived late on Reece James at 28 minutes without a foul, prompting Thomas Tuchel's frustration. Fernandez fouled Bellingham at 31 minutes, and Marc Guehi was impeded by Simeone at 33 minutes. Nahuel Molina barged into Bellingham at 34 minutes.
First Half Controversies Continue
At 36 minutes, Anderson earned the first yellow card for crashing into Lionel Messi, who then kicked Djed Spence unnoticed. Kane covered his mouth to speak to the referee at 37 minutes, leading to Argentina players pleading for a red card—an impossible offense. Lisandro Martínez hauled back Rogers at 41 minutes, earning a booking. At 45+1 minutes, someone from the Argentina bench threw an old ball onto the pitch to waste time. Paredes left a high boot on Anderson at 45+2 minutes.
Second Half Tactics Intensify
At half-time, Messi and Fernandez surrounded the referee to complain. At 48 minutes, Messi shoved Bellingham into an advertising board. Cristian Romero was booked at 51 minutes for rugby-tackling Bellingham. Simeone swung an arm into Spence's face at 53 minutes without a card. Romero remained upright as Pickford collected the ball at 58 minutes, causing the goalkeeper to hit the deck hard.
At 73 minutes, Messi nibbled at Spence during a throw-in. After Fernandez's equalizer at 85 minutes, Romero screamed in Pickford's face. John Stones was forced to the ground with a head injury at 88 minutes, halting play as Argentina players surrounded the referee. At 90+2 minutes, Gabriel Montiel abused Bellingham. Emiliano Martinez time-wasted at 90+7 minutes, grinning while clutching the ball.
Post-Match Fallout
Full-time saw boisterous Argentina celebrations infuriate England players. Dean Henderson shoved Lautaro Martinez, Rogers became embroiled, and Bellingham slapped substitute Valentin Barco. Argentina players also paraded a banner reading 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas,' which could lead to disciplinary action.
According to the report, Argentina's tactics included 31 distinct incidents, from fouls and time-wasting to verbal abuse and unsporting behavior. The onus remains on England for not countering these tactics, but the list highlights the extent of Argentina's gamesmanship.
