The Argentine Football Association has announced that 15 July will now be celebrated as 'National Football Teams Day'. This new annual observance commemorates Argentina's 2-1 victory over England in the 2026 World Cup semi-final, which took place on that date.
In the tense match held in Atlanta, England, aiming for their first World Cup final since 1966, initially took the lead with an Anthony Gordon goal in the 55th minute. However, Argentina secured their win with goals in the 85th and 92nd minutes.
The victory occurred 40 years after Argentina's previous significant World Cup win against England in the 1986 quarter-final. Following the 2026 semi-final, some Argentine players celebrated with a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas," referencing the ongoing sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands.
Argentina subsequently lost 1-0 to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, while England secured third place by beating France 6-4.