Argentina players, including Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, have been caught on video singing about the Falkland Islands after their dramatic 3-2 comeback win against Egypt in the World Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday, raising the temperature ahead of a potential semi-final clash with England.
Footage from the dressing-room celebrations showed several players singing about getting revenge for the 1994 World Cup, where Diego Maradona was banned after failing a drugs test, and making references to the Islas Malvinas — the Argentine name for the Falklands. The islands have been a source of tension between the two countries since the 1982 conflict, and despite a 2013 referendum in which 99.8% of residents voted to remain under British rule, the dispute has lingered.
“Argentina players sing about Falklands after win; five England stars risk semi-final ban against Norway.”
Earlier this year, it was suggested that US President Donald Trump could review the status of the islands. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hit back, saying: “We could not be clearer about the UK’s position on the Falkland Islands. It’s long standing. It’s unchanged. Sovereignty rests with the UK, and the Islands’ right to self determination is paramount. That’s been our consistent position and will remain the case.”
England must first get past Norway in Saturday’s quarter-final, a match that carries added jeopardy for five of Gareth Southgate’s players. Under World Cup rules, yellow cards are wiped only after the quarter-final stage, meaning any of the five who receive a booking against Norway would be suspended for the semi-final — potentially against Argentina.
The rivalry between England and Argentina is among the most bitter in football. David Beckham was sent off in their 1998 World Cup meeting, which England lost on penalties despite Michael Owen’s wonder goal. Four years later, Beckham scored a penalty to earn redemption in a group-stage win. The sides have not met since a 2005 friendly, which England won 3-2.
After Argentina’s victory, Lionel Messi said: “I’ve said it many times and I’ll say it again. This is a group that competes, always giving their best, a group that never gives up, they never let their arms down. That’s why we achieved all that we achieved. Today, it was a demonstration of character, of pride, of love, of trying. I’m very happy and proud of this group. It shows every day that they never stop trying.”
England face Norway on Saturday, and Argentina play Switzerland. Should both win, the old rivals would meet in the semi-finals — with the Falklands chant already echoing in the background.