Argentina players sing Falklands songs ahead of potential World Cup semi-final with England

Argentina players were filmed singing about the Falkland Islands during celebrations following their 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt at the World Cup on Tuesday, with Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez among those caught up in the footage.

The South American side overturned a deficit to reach the quarter-finals, leaving them one win away from a potential semi-final meeting with England. The Three Lions must first get past Norway on Saturday, while Argentina face Switzerland in their last-eight tie.

The footage showed players referencing the Islas Malvinas — the Argentine name for the Falkland Islands — as well as Diego Maradona’s 1994 World Cup ban after he failed a drugs test. The Falklands have been a source of political tension between Argentina and the United Kingdom since the 1982 conflict, and that friction has not fully dissipated. A 2013 referendum saw 99.8 percent of island residents vote to remain under British rule, and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s position earlier this year, stating: “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.”

On the pitch, England and Argentina have a charged history at major tournaments. David Beckham was sent off in a febrile 1998 World Cup clash that England eventually lost on penalties, despite Michael Owen’s iconic goal. Four years later, Beckham scored the penalty that beat Argentina in the group stage. The two nations have not met since a 3-2 England friendly win in 2005.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi was measured in his post-match comments after the Egypt win, focusing on his squad’s resilience rather than any upcoming fixture. “This is a group that competes, always giving their best, a group that never gives up,” Messi said. “Today, it was a demonstration of character, of pride, of love, of trying. I’m very happy and proud of this group.”

Whether the two nations actually meet will depend on results in the quarter-finals, but the early mind games appear to have already begun.