Argentina and England may be heading toward a blockbuster World Cup semi-final clash if they overcome Switzerland and Norway, respectively.
That challenge is far from straightforward, yet emotions between the two nations already seem to be escalating.
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These two FIFA heavyweights share one of football’s fiercest rivalries, particularly on the World Cup stage.
Their famous encounters include the 1986 showdown, remembered for Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’, and the 1998 meeting when David Beckham’s disputed red card left England devastated.
With both countries known for their deep football passion, any meeting between them is likely to be as intense off the field as it is on it.
Study up and learn, this is how La Scaloneta sings 🤩 pic.twitter.com/7KId82jDoc
— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) July 8, 2026
The latest controversy began after Argentina’s players were recorded singing following their Round of 16 victory over Egypt.
After completing a dramatic 3-2 comeback against the African side, La Albiceleste celebrated with overwhelming emotion.
Lionel Messi, who played a decisive role in the turnaround, was visibly emotional and shed tears at the final whistle.
Elsewhere, several Argentine players were involved in tense exchanges with Egypt’s squad over disputed refereeing calls.
Newly surfaced footage from Argentina’s dressing room after reaching the quarter-finals captured several players singing a chant that references the Falkland Islands.
The song, titled ‘La Cuarta Estrella’, has recently gained popularity among Argentine supporters.
Enzo Fernandez and Emi Martinez were among the players seen joining in as the video spread widely across social media.
The chant says: “I am Argentine from cradle to grave, for the Malvinas, for Diego, for Leo’s final chapter. I am a supporter of the national team, I cheer it on with all my heart.
“We won the third title with Lionel, and we want to be champions once again.”
Up to that point, the lyrics appear relatively harmless. However, the following verses refer to ‘the trophy taken’ from Diego Maradona in 1994 after he was suspended for failing a drug test, as well as the Malvinas, the Argentine name for the Falkland Islands.
“And 32 years later, La Scaloneta will avenge the trophy that was taken from the No. 10, the one we were not allowed to lift.
“I want to see the fourth star shining on the jersey. I am Argentine from cradle to grave, for the Malvinas, for Diego, for Leo’s final chapter. Argentina, I want to see you become back-to-back champions.”
The reference to the ‘Malvinas’ is likely to draw criticism from English supporters, given the 1982 Falklands War between the two countries, which claimed the lives of more than 900 people.
The issue continues to stir strong feelings despite the conflict ending decades ago.
When approached by the Daily Mail, FIFA chose not to comment. Reports suggest, however, that the governing body is not expected to take disciplinary action against Argentina.
This comes even though FIFA’s regulations strictly forbid political chants, slogans, and banners at World Cup venues.
One of the outspoken critics of the chant was British journalist and television personality Piers Morgan.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), the 61-year-old wrote: “Is that the same Falklands they tried to seize until our magnificent armed forces kicked their asses out again?”
Should Argentina and England both make it to the semi-finals, Morgan is unlikely to be the only English figure with strong feelings on the matter. If the fixture becomes a reality, it could produce one of the most electric World Cup atmospheres seen in many years.
