FIFA clears Argentina players of Falklands banner after England win
FIFA has decided not to punish Argentina players who displayed a banner reading 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas' after their 2‑1 semi‑final win over England at the 2026 World Cup. The UK Metro reported that the world football body sees no grounds for sanctions, meaning Lionel Messi’s side faces no ban ahead of Sunday’s final against Spain. Argentina trailed until the 85th minute when Enzo Fernandes cancelled Anthony Gordon’s opener, then Lautaro Martínez headed in Lionel Messi’s cross in stoppage time to seal the victory. After the final whistle, players including Manchester United’s Lisandro Martínez, Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández and former Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso joined teammates on the pitch, holding the Falklands‑referencing banner. Article 34.3 of World Cup regulations bans any political messages before, during or after matches, but FIFA deemed the celebration non‑prosecutable. The decision lets Argentina keep its full squad for the title clash, potentially boosting morale as they defend their crown. Will the controversy fire them up for the final, or will the distraction cost them against a strong Spanish side?