2026 FIFA World Cup: Argentina Foreign Ministry issues statement after ‘Las Malvinas’ banner sparks FIFA controversy

Argentina’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated the country’s claim to the Falkland Islands after Argentina’s players displayed a “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” banner during celebrations following their 2-1 FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final victory over England.According to The Athletic, Argentina are facing FIFA sanctions after midfielder Giovani Lo Celso appeared on the pitch with a banner following a dramatic comeback win at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The banner, which translates to “Malvinas are Argentinians”, was spotted for the first time among supporters in the stands. Lo Celso and defender Nicolas Otamendi held on before putting it away briefly. Lo Celso later laid it out on the pitch during the celebrations.

The long-running dispute over the Falklands

“Las Malvinas” is the name used in Argentina for the Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory located about 300 miles (480 km) off the east coast of Argentina.The dispute over sovereignty dates back to the early 19th century during the Napoleonic Wars. Britain first claimed the islands in 1774 and regained control in 1832.In 1982, the Argentine military government invaded the islands, leading to the Falklands War. The conflict lasted from April 2 to June 14 before ending with Argentina’s capitulation. Three civilians, 255 British soldiers and 649 Argentine soldiers died during the war.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues an official communique:

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASEMALVINA QUESTION: REPUBLIC OF ARGENTINA PROTESTS TO UNITED KINGDOM AGAINST HMS MEDWAY’S UNANNOUNCED MOVEMENTS TO ARGENTINE MAINLAND COASTAt the direction of Foreign Secretary Quirn, a formal note of protest was submitted on 13 July to the Embassy of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, expressing the strongest rejection of the movements of HMS Medway, illegally located in the Malvinas Islands, which were not properly notified in accordance with valid bilateral agreements and declarations, and which included transit through the Argentine Territorial Sea.This unilateral action constitutes a breach of the commitments made by both governments in the Joint Declaration of September 25, 1991, which replaces its Annexes I, II, III and IV, and in the Joint Declaration signed in Madrid on February 15, 1990, in its part I.2 “Measures to strengthen mutual confidence”, point “b” signed in the joint declaration in July at Air Decla and Decla in London 12, 1993).The Argentine Government categorically rejects this British military invasion of areas under Argentine jurisdiction, which is added to a permanent policy of unilateral acts incompatible with United Nations resolutions and with the obligation of both parties to refrain from changing the situation while the sovereignty dispute awaits resolution.Such unannounced and illegal movements are in violation of bilateral military confidence-building measures commitments between the two countries, adding to a long line of unilateral actions taken by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in violation of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 31/49, which urges both sides to refrain from taking decisions that would lead to the establishment of a unified dispute. remains to be resolved.Far from creating the conditions of trust and understanding needed for a mature bilateral relationship, these actions exacerbate tensions in the South Atlantic, ignore the repeated mandate of the international community, and impede Argentina’s efforts to move toward a peaceful and negotiated solution to the dispute.The Republic of Argentina reaffirms its legitimate and indefeasible sovereign rights over the Malvinas Islands, South Georgia, the South Sandwich Islands and the surrounding maritime areas.According to history, right and belief, the Malvinas are Argentinians.MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

FIFA decides on political banners

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) and FIFA have clear rules banning political flags, slogans and symbols during matches.“There must be no political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images on equipment. Players must not reveal underwear that displays political, religious, personal slogans, statements or images, or advertising other than the manufacturer’s logo,” the IFAB rules state.“For any offence, the player and/or team will be sanctioned by the competition organiser, the national football association or FIFA.”If the banner is considered political, it could also breach the FIFA Stadium Code of Conduct.FIFA’s list of banned items includes:“All materials, including but not limited to banners, flags, leaflets, clothing and other paraphernalia, which are political, offensive and/or discriminatory in nature, containing wording, symbols or any other attributes aimed at discrimination of any kind against a country, private person or group on the basis of race, colour, ethnic origin, national or social origin, gender identity and creed, any political status, sexual language, religion or other political status, sexual language, religion of any other reasons.”