The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has declared 15 July as ‘National Football Teams Day‘, commemorating Argentina‘s 2026 World Cup semi-final victory against England. The decision honours the 2-1 triumph that took place in Atlanta on that date.
In the semi-final match, England, aiming for their first World Cup final since 1966, initially took the lead. Anthony Gordon scored in the 55th minute to put Thomas Tuchel‘s side ahead. However, Argentina secured their win with late goals, scoring in the 85th and 92nd minutes to achieve a 2-1 victory.
Following the win, Argentina’s players displayed a banner that read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” translating to “The Falklands are Argentine.” This action highlighted the political tensions surrounding the fixture, as the Falkland Islands remain a subject of a sovereignty dispute between the UK and Argentina. The islands, known as the Malvinas in Spanish, are a British Overseas Territory located in the south-west Atlantic Ocean, approximately 300 miles off Argentina’s east coast.
The dispute over the Falkland Islands has historical roots, including a 74-day conflict between April and June 1982. This conflict resulted in the deaths of 655 Argentine and 255 British servicemen, along with three people from the islands. A 2013 referendum saw 99.8% of Falkland Islanders vote to remain a UK territory, despite Argentina’s continued claim to sovereignty.
The AFA’s president, Claudio Tapia, announced that the hotel bedsheet featuring the “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” message, which was paraded after the victory over England, will be sent to the Centro de Veteranos de Guerra Malvinas Argentinas. This war museum in Tierra del Fuego will add the item to its permanent exhibit.
This recent victory over England marks another significant moment in Argentina’s football history, coming 40 years after their controversial quarter-final win against England in the 1986 World Cup. That match is famously remembered for Diego Maradona‘s “Hand of God” goal.
Despite the semi-final win, Argentina ultimately lost the 2026 World Cup final 1-0 to Spain. England, however, secured third place in the tournament by defeating France 6-4.
The establishment of ‘National Football Teams Day’ on 15 July adds to Argentina’s commemorative calendar, which already includes Argentine Footballers’ Day, celebrated annually on 22 June. This existing day marks the anniversary of the 1986 World Cup quarter-final victory over England.
The AFA’s decision to create a new national day specifically for the win against England has been noted by observers, particularly given Argentina’s extensive list of international football achievements. The nation has one of the most successful teams in international football, with a record of winning 54 games at the men’s World Cup, surpassing England’s 38 wins. Argentina has also secured three World Cup titles, 16 Copa América titles, and two Olympic gold medals.
The focus on the England match for a national day highlights the deep-seated rivalry and the political undertones that often accompany encounters between the two nations. This sentiment was evident during the semi-final, where fans from both sides jeered the opposing national anthems.
The AFA’s announcement also included a report detailing the achievements of various national teams under its administration. This report listed various accomplishments, including runners-up finishes in beach football tournaments, a victorious campaign at the 2019 Granatkin (a Russian invitational Under-18 event), and a four-team futsal tournament in Indonesia.
The new ‘National Football Teams Day’ on 15 July will be celebrated annually.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
