Argentina declares July 15 a National Team Day after win over England
AFA unanimously picked July 15 after the dramatic World Cup semi-final; players' banner about the Malvinas prompted a UK request for a FIFA probe.
Argentina's football association has designated July 15 as an official National Team Day, marking the squad's dramatic semi-final victory over England at the 2026 World Cup.
From comeback on the pitch to a national holiday
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) said the date was chosen unanimously by its executives after a campaign that, despite ending in a loss to Spain in the final, was widely seen at home as a sporting success.
In the semi-final played on July 15, Argentina overturned a 1-0 deficit with goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez late in the match to win 2-1 and reach the final; the comeback began after Argentina trailed until the 85th minute.
The celebrations after the match intensified the controversy when several Argentine players displayed a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas," a message that refers to the Falkland Islands and sparked anger across England; the government of the United Kingdom asked FIFA to open an investigation.
In an official statement AFA explained the new date: "This date was chosen to commemorate the historic and great victory of the Argentine national team over England in the semi-final of the 2026 World Cup."
President Javier Milei publicly described the players' banner as "completely correct" and said the message reflected a sentiment shared by many Argentines, while also acknowledging he expects FIFA may sanction the federation for the incident.
AFA stressed the holiday is intended to honor all Argentine national teams — men's, women's and youth sides, as well as futsal, beach soccer and other national squads — and to recognize the athletes who represent the country internationally.
Photo: press material from the event
