Argentina supporters drowned out God Save The King with jeers before their World Cup semi-final against England in Atlanta, sparking a furious backlash. One social media user called the fans “disgusting” with “zero respect”, while another said they were “a disgrace”. England supporters retaliated with boos of their own when Argentina’s anthem played.
The hostility in the stands reflected a deeper tension. The FBI and local officials had deemed the game “high risk”, and the stadium lacked segregation, raising the threat of clashes. Days earlier, Argentina players had sung about beating England “for the Falklands” after their quarter-final win over Switzerland. Footage also circulated of supporters in Buenos Aires setting alight a Union Jack flag. Yet head coach Lionel Scaloni refused to be drawn into the politics: “The reality is that this is a football match. I can’t mix things up, especially out of respect for what happened so many years ago. It was a very sad p…”
“Argentina fans booed England's national anthem before Anthony Gordon's goal wasn't enough as England lost 2-1 in World Cup semi-final.”
On the pitch, England took the lead in the 55th minute when Anthony Gordon put the Three Lions 1-0 up, sending their fans wild. But Argentina came from behind to win 2-1, ending England’s World Cup dream. The defeat revived shades of bygone tournaments, as another promising campaign unravelled against old rivals.
The pre-match behaviour left a bitter aftertaste. “Argentina have the most disgusting fans on the planet,” one user wrote. Another pleaded: “England please thrash them.” But it was Argentina who advanced, setting up a final against Spain.