The Argentine Football Association has established a special day to commemorate their victory over England at the 2026 World Cup, reigniting one of football's fiercest rivalries.
A Historic Rivalry Renewed
England and Argentina met in the semi-finals of this summer's World Cup, their first encounter in 21 years. The match came 40 years after England's infamous 2-1 defeat to the Albiceleste, famously decided by Diego Maradona's controversial 'Hand of God' goal.
This time, England took the lead through Anthony Gordon's second-half strike, but two late Argentina goals turned the game on its head, resulting in a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat for the Three Lions.
The Commemoration
Despite Argentina losing the final to Spain, the association has decided to celebrate their World Cup achievements by creating 'National Football Teams Day', to be held on July 15, the date of their victory over England.
'The date was chosen to commemorate the Albiceleste's great and historic victory over England in the semi-final of the 2026 World Cup,' the association confirmed in a statement. 'The team, led by Lionel Scaloni, were trailing the English side by a single goal but, thanks to goals from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez, managed to turn the result around and send the whole country into a frenzy, with people flooding the streets in celebration.'
The statement added: 'But the tribute is not only for that milestone of the Senior Team. The recognition, of course, is also for each and every one of the national teams (youth, men and women, futsal, beach soccer and field soccer), which day by day train at the Lionel Andrés Messi centre with the enthusiasm, joy and responsibility of defending the blue and white.'
Controversy and Fallout
The victory was quickly overshadowed by controversy after some Argentina players celebrated with a banner reading 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas', meaning 'The Falklands are Argentine'. The islands are a self-governing British Overseas Territory, but have long been a source of tension between the two nations.
The banner drew uproar from the UK government, and FIFA eventually charged Argentina for the display. FIFA is also investigating the Argentine FA over potential breaches relating to discrimination, racist abuse, and throwing of objects by fans at 'several' matches.
Additionally, FIFA opened proceedings against players Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina, and coach Roberto Ayala, for assault after a brawl following the World Cup final. Molina and Thiago Almada are under investigation for unsporting behaviour, as is Spanish midfielder Gavi.
