FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Argentine Football Association (AFA) regarding a Falkland Islands banner and other incidents at the 2026 World Cup. The charges were announced on July 29.
Argentina players displayed a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" (The Falklands are Argentine) after their semifinal victory over England. FIFA stated the charge was "using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature."
The Falkland Islands are administered by Britain but claimed by Argentina; Argentina invaded in 1982, leading to a 10-week war won by Britain. British government officials urged FIFA to investigate the banner.
FIFA fined Argentina a similar amount in 2014 for a Falklands banner displayed during a friendly.
Argentina defeated England 2-1 in the World Cup semifinal held in Atlanta, US. Spain then defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final. There is conflicting information about the final's location: some sources say New York, others New Jersey.
A post-match brawl occurred after the final whistle; Leandro Paredes shoved Spain's Gavi. Paredes faces three assault charges, Nahuel Molina faces two, and Roberto Ayala faces one. Thiago Almada and Spain's Gavi face charges of unsporting behavior.
FIFA also investigated Argentina for discriminatory chants, late kick-offs, security failures, inappropriate messages, and object throwing.