Argentina’s wild World Cup celebrations have taken a provocative turn after players were heard singing a chant referencing the Falkland Islands following their dramatic comeback victory over Egypt.
Argentina players celebrated their win over Egypt by singing a popular fan chant which references the Falkland Islands
Argentina came from 2-0 down against Egypt to secure a stunning late victory in Atlanta, with captain Lionel Messi scoring the equaliser after Cristian Romero’s goal
The reigning champions had looked moments away from a shock exit in Atlanta. Egypt led 2-0 heading into the final stages of the last-16 tie, leaving Lionel Scaloni’s side staring at one of the biggest upsets of the tournament. But Argentina refused to fold. Cristian Romero gave them hope in the 79th minute, Lionel Messi equalised shortly afterwards, and Enzo Fernandez completed the escape with a stoppage-time header to seal a remarkable 3-2 win.
The result sent Argentina into the quarter-finals against Switzerland and immediately sparked emotional scenes inside the dressing room. Footage later shared by the Argentine Football Association showed the squad celebrating by singing Muchachos, the anthem that became famous during their 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar and has since been updated for the 2026 campaign.
Another chant from Argentina fans claimed England are ‘scared’ of their national team and that they would make them run before knocking them out in the World Cup semi-finals
Argentina fans celebrate their win in Buenos Aires and chanted ‘whoever doesn’t jump is an Englishman’, as they continued their celebrations after reaching the quarter-finals
The chant celebrates Argentina’s identity, their pursuit of a fourth World Cup star and the legacy of Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi. But it also includes a reference to the Malvinas, the Argentine name for the Falkland Islands, making the footage especially sensitive given the possibility of a semi-final showdown with England.
The updated version of the song has been embraced by Argentina supporters throughout the tournament. Its lyrics speak of being Argentine from birth to death, of the Malvinas, of Diego and of what could be Messi’s final chapter on the World Cup stage. For Argentina fans, it is a song of pride, defiance and football history. For England supporters, the timing may feel like an unmistakable needle before a potential meeting in the last four.
The noise did not stop inside the dressing room. In Buenos Aires, Argentina fans gathered at the Obelisk to celebrate the win over Egypt, jumping, singing and already turning their attention towards England. Supporters were heard chanting that anyone not jumping was English, while other songs claimed the Three Lions were scared of Argentina and warned that a meeting could be coming soon.
Argentina face Switzerland in the quarter-finals and could meet England in the last four
That meeting is not guaranteed yet. Argentina must first beat Switzerland, while England have to overcome Norway in their quarter-final in Miami. But the prospect of another England versus Argentina World Cup battle is already adding huge drama to the knockout stage.
The rivalry carries enormous history. England beat Argentina at the 1962 World Cup and again in 1966 on the way to lifting the trophy. Argentina struck back in 1986 through Diego Maradona’s unforgettable and controversial quarter-final display, which included the ‘Hand of God’ and one of the greatest solo goals ever scored. In 1998, David Beckham was sent off as England lost on penalties, before gaining revenge four years later when Beckham scored the winner from the spot in a 1-0 group-stage victory.
The two nations have not met at a World Cup since then, but the tension has never fully disappeared. Now, with Argentina chasing back-to-back titles and England trying to end decades of hurt, even the possibility of a semi-final has been enough to set emotions alight.
For Messi and Argentina, the comeback against Egypt was another reminder of their survival instinct. For England, the message from the celebrations is clear: Argentina are watching, their fans are singing, and a potential semi-final would be anything but ordinary.
Before that dream match can happen, both sides must handle dangerous quarter-finals. Yet the build-up has already begun, and Argentina’s dressing-room chants have made one thing certain: if England and Argentina do meet, the football world will stop to watch.
