Hours Before World Cup Final, FIFA Makes Decision on Argentina After Semi-Final Controversy
With only hours left before the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, FIFA has decided not to sanction Argentina’s players over the controversial banner displayed during their celebrations after eliminating England.
The ruling means Lionel Scaloni will have his full squad available for Sunday’s blockbuster final against Spain, ending speculation that some players could face disciplinary action.
Argentina booked their place in the final with a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over England. Anthony Gordon handed the Three Lions the lead in the first half, leaving the reigning champions on the verge of elimination.
However, Enzo Fernández restored parity late in the match before Lautaro Martínez nodded home a cross from Lionel Messi deep into stoppage time to complete a dramatic turnaround.
The celebrations that followed soon attracted global attention after several Argentina players posed with a banner reading, “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (“The Falklands are Argentine”), a slogan linked to the long-running sovereignty dispute between Argentina and the United Kingdom over the Falkland Islands.
Among those photographed with the banner were Lisandro Martínez, Enzo Fernández and Giovani Lo Celso.
The display triggered debate over whether FIFA would intervene, as the governing body’s regulations prohibit political, religious or personal messages from being displayed at World Cup matches.
Despite the controversy, FIFA has decided not to impose immediate disciplinary measures, allowing Argentina to approach the final without any player suspensions related to the incident.
The decision ensures the defending champions can focus entirely on their meeting with Spain as they attempt to become the first nation in more than six decades to retain the FIFA World Cup trophy.
Although the celebrations remain a topic of discussion, FIFA’s ruling means the controversy will not overshadow Argentina’s bid to make history on football’s biggest stage.
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