Argentina beat England 2-1 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final on July 15. Then things got complicated.
During the post-match celebrations, Argentine players unfurled a banner reading ‘Las Malvinas Son Argentinas’, which translates to ‘The Falklands are Argentine.’ FIFA’s Stadium Code of Conduct explicitly bans political messaging inside stadiums. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) is now staring down a disciplinary process that, based on precedent, ends with a fine.
What the rules actually say
FIFA’s Stadium Code of Conduct prohibits political, offensive, or discriminatory messages from appearing inside competition venues. The banner was displayed by players on the pitch during celebrations, not by fans in the stands. FIFA has previously indicated it does not intend to pursue action over locker-room chants related to the same territorial claim, suggesting the governing body is drawing a line between private celebrations and public on-pitch displays.
This has happened before
