Argentina players raise a Falklands banner.

After qualifying for the 2026 World Cup final by defeating England 2-1, Argentina sparked controversy when several of its players raised a banner that read: "The Falkland Islands are Argentine," in a move that carries political implications that may be considered a violation of FIFA's regulations.

FIFA's code of conduct prohibits the raising or displaying of any banners, flags, publications, clothing, or items of a political, offensive, or discriminatory nature within stadiums, as part of its efforts to keep sporting competitions free from political disputes.

The issue of sovereignty over the islands located in the South Atlantic, known in Britain as the Falkland Islands and in Argentina as the Malvinas Islands, has been one of the most contentious issues between the two countries for decades.

In 1982, a brief military confrontation occurred between Argentina and Britain over the sovereignty of the islands, resulting in the deaths of 649 Argentine soldiers and 255 British military personnel, before ending in a British victory, while most island residents later expressed their desire to remain under British sovereignty.

In contrast, Argentina continues to assert its claim to the islands, considering that they rightfully belonged to it after gaining independence from Spain in 1816, and that Britain imposed its control over them in 1833 in what it describes as an unlawful colonial act.