Argentina have lost the World Cup final to Spain, with England fans declaring 'karma' after Argentina proudly paraded a Falklands banner following their semi-final victory over England. The Three Lions were stunned earlier in the week when Argentina battled from behind to reach the final, then displayed a flag declaring the Falklands as Argentine territory. After losing the final, England fans were quick to joke about the banner. 'Don't think we'll see the Falklands flag here mind,' one fan joked. Another said: 'KARMA. One of the instigators who wanted to hold up the Falklands banner,' after Enzo Fernandez was sent off. A third added: 'They're not waving their Falklands banner anymore…'
Match Details
The final, held on 19 July 2026, was far from an instant classic. The forgettable first half was overshadowed by a half-time show branded as 'woke nonsense' by fans on social media, featuring Madonna, BTS, Shakira, the Muppets, Ted Lasso, and Justin Bieber, extending well beyond the usual 15-minute break. Wayne Rooney described it as 'crap.'
Second Half Action
Spain began to assert themselves in the second half, testing goalkeeper Emi Martinez. The game remained fragmented by Argentine fouls and hydration breaks. Enzo Fernandez, already booked for dissent, clattered into Pau Cubarsi and received a red card. Argentina attempted to retaliate, with Lionel Messi trying to 'snitch' on Marc Cucurella for covering his mouth. Nico Williams thought he had scored in extra time, but a foul on Nicolas Otamendi in the build-up was called. Martinez was also down after minimal contact with Mikel Merino.
Winning Goal
Williams played a key role in the winner, nodding the ball to Ferran Torres, who smashed it into the roof of the net to give Spain the lead. Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni sent on defenders with 10 men to force penalties, but Torres had another goal disallowed for offside after VAR review. Spain won the World Cup for the second time in their history, while Argentina and Lionel Messi failed to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back titles.
