Watch: Argentina fans burn England flags after FIFA World Cup semi-final win | Football news

Argentina fans burn England flags (Screenshots)

Argentina win over England 2026 FIFA World Cup the semi-final sparked massive celebrations across Buenos Aires, but some fans drew criticism after burning English flags and displaying coffins emblazoned with St George’s crosses. Videos and photos also showed supporters singing songs related to the Falklands War, while some carried Falklands-themed flags during the celebrations.The Falkland Islands became the main topic of conversation before, during and after the game. Ahead of the game, Argentina’s vice-president called England “usurping pirates”, while president Javier Milei reiterated his country’s claim to the islands, saying: “We are doing everything in our power to return the Falkland Islands to Argentine hands. Sovereignty is non-negotiable.”During the match, fans of both countries booed each other’s anthems. However, after the game, clips of Argentina fans burning England flags appeared on social media.Watch:After Argentina’s 2-1 comeback win in Atlanta, several players celebrated with signs reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (The Falklands are Argentine). Tottenham defender Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez and Giovani Lo Celso were among those seen posing with him. Argentina had previously been singled out by FIFA in 2014 for displaying a similar banner before a friendly match.Lionel Messi helped Argentina make up for an early deficit by scoring two late goals to send the defending champions into the World Cup finals and eliminate England. After the game, midfielder Leandro Paredes confirmed Argentina’s stance, saying the Falklands “will always be Argentina”.The celebration also spread to Ushuaia, where fans gathered near the monument to the veterans of the Falklands War. Britain and Argentina fought the Falklands War in 1982 after Argentina invaded the islands. The conflict claimed hundreds of lives on both sides, and the islands have remained a British overseas territory ever since. Reports suggest FIFA may reconsider Argentina’s post-match celebration over the political banner.