BUENOS AIRES: Argentina’s football federation designated July 15 as National Football Teams Day after the country’s World Cup semifinal comeback. The national team beat England 2-1 at Atlanta Stadium on July 15.
The AFA Executive Committee unanimously approved the annual observance Wednesday at its Lionel Andrés Messi training complex in Ezeiza.
In its official announcement, the federation said the date honors Argentina’s “great and historic victory” in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
However, the recognition extends beyond the senior men’s team. It also covers Argentina’s youth, women’s, futsal, beach soccer and outdoor football sides.
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England took the lead when Anthony Gordon scored in the 55th minute. Then Enzo Fernández equalized for Argentina in the 85th minute.
Two minutes into stoppage time, Lautaro Martínez scored the winner and completed the comeback. As a result, Lionel Scaloni’s defending champions reached a second consecutive World Cup final.
FIFA’s official match data recorded 15 Argentine goal attempts compared with five for England. Argentina also held 56% attacking possession, while England registered 35%.
Meanwhile, FIFA classified the remaining 9% as contested possession. The AFA said the observance recognizes every national side representing the country.
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Afterward, several Argentina players displayed a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” during their on-field celebrations.
The message translates as “The Malvinas are Argentine” and refers to the disputed Falkland Islands. Consequently, FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings against the AFA over several alleged World Cup breaches on July 29.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee cited potential breaches involving non-sporting demonstrations, misconduct, discrimination and stadium security.
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Meanwhile, the governing body examined alleged chants, gestures, inappropriate messages and spectators throwing objects during Argentina’s matches.
FIFA said the AFA could present its defence before the committee reaches a final decision. Still, the governing body has announced no ruling in the disciplinary case.
The National Football Teams Day decision establishes July 15 as the AFA’s recurring tribute to Argentina’s representative teams.
