Paredes defends Malvinas banner after Argentina beat England at World Cup 2026

Leandro Paredes defended Argentina’s decision to display a ‘The Malvinas are Argentinian’ banner after their 2-1 World Cup semi-final victory over England in Atlanta, saying the Falklands conflict was “a sad part of our history” and that the match “wasn’t just a football match” for the players.

Build-up to the semi-final had been dominated by tensions over the Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory 300 miles off the Argentinian coast, known in Argentina as the Islas Malvinas. Britain and Argentina fought a war over the islands in 1982 after Argentina’s military dictatorship invaded; more than 900 people were killed before Argentina’s defeat. The territory remains British.

Speaking after the final whistle, Paredes said the squad had been motivated by the memory of that conflict. “Sadly, it is a sad part of our history, for everyone involved in that chapter of our history. And it hurts. We knew we were playing for them too. For all the people, for our entire nation. I believe we did it in the best possible way.”

He added: “We always wanted to convey that for us, it wasn’t just a football match. We were aware that it wasn’t just that. It was very important for our entire country. And I think we feel immense joy.”

Several Argentina players unfurled the banner during their post-match celebrations, prompting swift condemnation from UK business secretary Peter Kyle, who called it “entirely inappropriate” and said the government expected FIFA to open an investigation. The governing body’s rules prohibit political expression on the pitch, and the team could face sanctions.

The political undertone had been building throughout Argentina’s run to the last four. After beating Switzerland to set up the England tie, some players sang a chant referencing the Malvinas, Diego Maradona, and Lionel Messi. Midfielder Rodrigo De Paul had attempted to draw a line before kick-off, acknowledging the broader significance of the fixture while insisting the dispute belonged off the pitch. “What happened was an atrocity and we always remember the fallen,” De Paul said, “but what we want is to win this match to get to the final.”

Argentina will now advance to the World Cup final, with the banner controversy set to overshadow their victory in the days ahead as FIFA considers whether to act.