The Argentine Football Association (AFA) on Thursday officially declared July 15 as 'National Football Teams Day' to celebrate Argentina's dramatic victory over England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final. The decision was approved unanimously during an AFA Executive Council meeting.
The 'July 15' date marks one of Argentina's most memorable football victories, when Lionel Scaloni's side came from behind to beat England 2-1 in Atlanta and book their place in a second straight World Cup final.
England looked set for victory after Anthony Gordon scored in the 55th minute. However, Argentina staged a stunning late comeback as Enzo Fernandez equalised in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martinez scored the winner in stoppage time.
AFA Issues Statement
Explaining the decision, the Argentine Football Association said, "The date was chosen to commemorate the Albiceleste's great and historic victory over England in the semi-final of the 2026 World Cup."
It also said, "The team, led by Lionel Scaloni, were trailing the English side by a single goal but, thanks to goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez, managed to turn the result around and send the whole country into a frenzy, with people flooding the streets in celebration."
Falkland Islands Controversy
The celebrations after the match also sparked controversy. Several Argentina players held up a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" (The Malvinas are Argentinian), referring to Argentina's claim over the Falkland Islands.
The display drew criticism from the UK government and led to a FIFA investigation.
Argentina President Javier Milei defended the players, calling their celebration "perfectly valid." AFA president Claudio Tapia also said the win over England was so emotional that many Argentinians felt they had already won the tournament after that match, regardless of what happened in the World Cup final.
