Watch: Argentina fans burn England flags after World Cup semi-final victory

Argentina fans burn English flags (Screengrabs) Argentina’s victory over England in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup sparked massive celebrations in Buenos Aires, but some fans drew criticism after burning England flags and displaying coffins decorated with St George’s crosses. Videos and photos also showed supporters chanting songs associated with the Falklands War, while some carried Falklands-themed flags during the celebrations.The Falkland Islands became a major talking point before, during and after the match. Before the match, Argentina’s vice-president called England “usurping pirates”, while president Javier Milei reiterated his country’s claim to the islands, saying: “We are doing everything humanly possible to bring the Falkland Islands back into Argentine hands. Sovereignty is non-negotiable.”During the match, fans from both countries booed each other’s national anthems. However, footage of Argentina fans burning English flags circulated on social media after the match.Watch:After Argentina’s 2-1 comeback in Atlanta, several players celebrated with a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (The Falklands are Argentina). Tottenham defenders Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez and Giovani Lo Celso were among those who got to pose with him. Argentina were fined by FIFA in 2014 for displaying a similar banner before a friendly match.Lionel Messi helped Argentina overcome an early deficit by scoring two late goals to send the defending champions into the World Cup final and knock out England. After the match, midfielder Leandro Paredes reinforced Argentina’s stance, saying the Falklands “will always be Argentine”.Celebrations also spread to Ushuaia, where fans gathered near the Falklands War Veterans Memorial. Britain and Argentina fought the Falklands War in 1982 after Argentina invaded the islands. The conflict claimed hundreds of lives on both sides, and the islands have remained a British overseas territory ever since. Reports suggest FIFA could re-examine Argentina’s post-match celebrations over a political banner.