UK says Falkland Islands 'definitely ours' after Argentina banner
The UK government has reaffirmed its sovereignty over the Falkland Islands following a provocative banner displayed by Argentina's football team after their World Cup victory over England. Downing Street has called for a FIFA investigation into the incident, emphasizing that the islanders' right to self-determination remains unchanged.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the enduring geopolitical sensitivity of the Falkland Islands sovereignty dispute, which remains a significant point of tension between the UK and Argentina.
Image source, EPA/Shutterstock By Richard Wheeler , Political reporter and Jack Fenwick , Political correspondent Published 16 July 2026 The UK government has said "the World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are," after Argentina players celebrated their victory over England by waving a banner in support of their country's territorial claim.
Speaking after England's 2-1 semi-final defeat in Atlanta , Downing Street said Sir Keir Starmer wished both Argentina and Spain "well for the final, especially Spain".
Argentina face the prospect of disciplinary action from Fifa . The banner held by some of their players read "Las Malvinas son Argentinas", which translates as "The Falklands are Argentine".
The Falkland Islands are a British overseas territory in the south-west Atlantic Ocean.
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