One of the greatest rivalries in the world of sports, Argentina and England will face off in the most exciting showdown ever in the semi-finals of the 2026 tournament.
Published July 14, 2026
Argentina’s Veterans Federation has called on soccer supporters to focus on the game ahead of the World Cup semi-final against England, rather than using it as a platform to promote sovereignty claims over the South Atlantic islands.
Argentina and Britain engaged in a brief conflict in 1982 over the islands known to the British as the Falkland Islands and to the Argentines as the Malvinas, resulting in the deaths of 649 Argentine soldiers and 255 British combatants.
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The group said on Monday that the match was “not an armed rematch or historical reparation,” and called on fans and the wider public to remember the Argentine soldiers who died in the conflict without promoting hatred or xenophobia.
“Sovereignty is defended in the international arena through diplomacy, historical truth, and the peaceful and uncompromising claims enshrined in our Constitution,” the Veterans Federation said in a statement on April 2.
“We believe it is essential to draw a clear and unwavering line between our passion for sport and our national cause.”
“The ball rolls, the pride in our colors doubles, but the memories remain.”
Britain claims sovereignty over the islands and maintains a military presence, while Argentina continues to assert its claims through diplomatic channels and international organizations, including the United Nations.
Throughout the World Cup, Argentine fans and players have been singing chants referencing the islands of Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, who are looking to end their international careers with a second World Cup victory.
But Argentina’s players and coaching staff are trying to quiet talk of the rivalry ahead of Wednesday’s game, with coach Lionel Scaloni saying nothing but football will happen when the two teams meet in Atlanta.
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford echoed those words on Monday, saying the semi-final was “just a football game”.
Pickford told reporters: “We are both proud countries. The football will speak for itself.”
Argentina and England have one of the most famous rivalries in international football, featuring several high-profile World Cup encounters, including the 1986 quarter-finals, where Maradona scored his famous “Hand of God” goal.
