FIFA reviews Argentina’s Falklands banner ahead of World Cup final

As Argentina prepare to face Spain in the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, FIFA has confirmed it is formally reviewing the political banner displayed by Argentine players after their semifinal victory over England.

The Banner Incident

Argentina's players held up a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" — "The Falklands are Argentine" — after their 2-1 comeback win against England in Atlanta on Wednesday. The gesture, referencing the long-running sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands, has drawn condemnation from British officials and triggered a FIFA investigation.bbc+1

A FIFA spokesperson confirmed on Thursday that "FIFA's independent disciplinary committee is currently assessing the match reports and considering the relevant circumstances before deciding on potential further steps based on the FIFA disciplinary code". British MP Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, called the banner "entirely inappropriate" and said an investigation is "certain to happen because it was such an egregious violation of the rules of not having political activity as part of the football".bbc+2

According to Sports Illustrated, two sanctions are possible if Argentina is found in breach of FIFA rules: a fine or player suspensions. FIFA fined the Argentine Football Association £20,000 in 2014 after players displayed an identical banner before a friendly against Slovenia. However, the BBC reported that there is "no prospect of Argentina losing their place in the final".youtube+2

Golden Boot Race Goes to the Wire

The Golden Boot will also be decided at the tournament's conclusion. According to ESPN, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé are tied on eight goals heading into the final two matches — the third-place playoff between France and England on Friday and Sunday's final. Messi holds the tiebreaker advantage with four assists to Mbappé's three.usatoday+1

Messi vs. Yamal Headlines the Final

Sunday's final sets up a generational clash between 39-year-old Messi, seeking a second consecutive World Cup title, and 19-year-old Lamine Yamal, Spain's breakout star. The match kicks off at 3 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on Fox.foxsports+1