Argentina is to hold a national celebration day to mark the anniversary of its World Cup semi-final victory over England. July 15 will be 'national football teams day' when folk across the South American country gather annually to remember their 2-1 triumph over Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions.
Unanimous decision
Argentina's Football Association voted unanimously to commemorate the occasion - even though they went on to lose the World Cup final to Spain. Officials said fans have not stopped talking about the England victory despite it being marred by protest and violence.
Trailing 1-0 in the 85th minute Argentina - inspired by legend Lionel Messi - scored twice to KO England and reach their second successive World Cup final. Skirmishes broke out between the teams at the end after Jude Bellingham lashed out at unused Argentina substitute Valentin Barco for his over-the-top celebrations.
Controversy and celebration
FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the South Americans after players displayed a banner declaring the Falkland Islands Argentinian. But none of the controversy - nor their miserable 1-0 defeat in the final - stopped Argentinian football chiefs declaring the semi win 'great and historic' following an executive meeting.
They said in a statement: "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 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."
Falklands claim reignited
The victory reignited the nation's historical claim to the Falkland Islands which - though 8,000 miles from the UK and 300 miles from Argentina - remain British following a near 100% residents' ballot. Argentina President Javier Milei described the players' celebration with the banner as 'perfectly valid' and said the message 'reflects a sentiment shared by all Argentines'.
Almirante Brown, which plays in Argentina's second division, last weekend displayed their new jersey which carries the same slogan as the banner 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas'. Las Malvinas is Argentina's name for the Falklands.
The nation's Football Association president Claudio Tapia said: "I know that for Argentinians we won the World Cup the moment we beat England because that's really what everyone wanted. We are proud of our national team's performance and of the fact that they created that sense of epic invincibility - that nobody could beat us."
Final mayhem and fan reaction
The final descended into mayhem too. Argentina stars Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina and assistant coach Roberto Ayala are facing FIFA disciplinary proceedings for assault after clashing with Spanish players during the showpiece. Officials are also probing allegations of racist abuse and inappropriate chanting.
Three Lions' fans called on the English Football Association to declare a victory day on the July 19 anniversary of the final. One said: "Spain did the world a favour by beating the Argies. Every supporter on the planet should get together to celebrate a victory for football."
