Argentina's World Cup squad mocked England in the dressing room after their 2-1 semi-final victory, staging a 'minute's silence' for Thomas Tuchel's side and displaying a banner referencing the Falkland Islands. The incident occurred following a dramatic match at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on July 15, 2026.
Match recap: England's lead overturned
England had taken the lead in the 55th minute when Anthony Gordon headed in Morgan Rogers' cross, putting the Three Lions on course for only their second World Cup final. However, Argentina fought back, with Enzo Fernandez smashing home an equaliser in the 85th minute. Lautaro Martinez then headed Lionel Messi's pinpoint cross beyond Jordan Pickford to give the defending champions the lead at the death. Argentina held firm for the remaining minutes to secure a famous 2-1 win and set up a final against Spain.
Tuchel's cautious tactics, including sending on defenders Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn, and Nico O'Reilly to protect the lead, were ultimately punished. England will now face France in the third-place playoff on Saturday.
Dressing room taunts and Falklands banner
After the match, Argentina's jubilant players celebrated with their supporters, who remained in the stadium long after the final whistle. In the dressing room, a video captured Nicolas Otamendi leading a 'minute's silence' for England, with the squad singing: 'A minute of silence for England, who is dead.' The clip then shows the team breaking into celebration, chanting: 'Argentina and a special dedication to England!'
Earlier, players were pictured holding a banner reading 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas' (The Falklands are Argentine), a reference to the disputed islands. This act could face punishment from FIFA, as political statements are prohibited under the governing body's rules.
Social media reaction and fallout
The videos and images spread rapidly on social media, drawing criticism from English fans and pundits. The taunts come amid a tense football rivalry, with Argentina having previously mocked England after their 2022 World Cup quarter-final victory. The incident may also reignite diplomatic tensions over the Falkland Islands, which Argentina claims as its own.
