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FIFA respond to Falklands banner row as Tuchel privately rejects England tactics criticism

FIFA have issued a statement after Argentina players displayed a Falkland Islands banner following their semi-final win over England, while Thomas Tuchel has privately pushed back against claims he told his side to sit back after taking the lead.

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FIFA respond to Falklands banner row as Tuchel privately rejects England tactics criticism
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FIFA have responded to the controversy sparked when Argentina players held up a Falkland Islands banner after their 2026 World Cup semi-final victory over England on Wednesday night in Atlanta, with the governing body releasing an official statement on the matter.

The banner incident has dominated the fallout from Argentina’s win, which ended England’s tournament and set up a final against Spain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday. Reports have since emerged that England head coach Thomas Tuchel has privately rejected the suggestion that he instructed his players to defend their lead rather than push for a second goal — a tactical decision that drew sharp criticism after the defeat.

Harry Kane has also addressed his international future in the wake of the semi-final exit, while Jude Bellingham posted a message to England supporters following the loss. The pair will have one more chance to end the tournament on a positive note when England face France in the third-place play-off in Miami on Saturday.

US President Donald Trump has confirmed he will attend Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium, where Spain and Argentina will contest the 2026 World Cup title.

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