Argentina's Falklands banner prompts FIFA probe after World Cup semi

After Argentina beat England 2‑1 in the 2026 World Cup semi‑final in Atlanta, several Argentine players lifted a banner reading “Las Malvinas son argentinas” (the Falkland Islands are Argentine). The display revived the long‑standing sovereignty dispute between Argentina and the United Kingdom, prompting calls from the British government, the Falkland Islands administration and UK MPs such as Peter Kyle for a FIFA investigation and possible sanctions. A White House task‑force led by Andrew Giuliani argued the players have a right to express their views under U.S. free‑speech principles, and the White House defended the action. FIFA’s disciplinary committee has opened a review, but any penalties are likely to be decided after the final. Media reports note the banner was improvised from a hotel bedsheet and highlight the historic context of the 1982 Falklands war and ongoing diplomatic tensions.