World Cup 2026: After targeting France, Argentina sparks controversy with England

Argentine Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno published an editorial in La Nación on July 13, 2026, demanding renewed negotiations over the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands, two days before the World Cup semi-final between Argentina and England. He challenges the 2013 referendum (99.8% in favor of remaining British) and calls the islanders an 'artificially implanted population'. This follows a previous controversy with France after racist remarks by an Argentine official. Argentine players also stoked tensions by singing a chant referencing the Falklands War after their qualification.