Buenos Aires, Aug 6 (IANS) Argentina has officially declared July 15 as ‘National Football Teams Day’, commemorating the national side’s dramatic victory over England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final and extending the tribute to every national team representing the country.
The decision was approved unanimously during the Executive Committee meeting of the Argentine Football Association held at its training centre in Ezeiza.
The date marks Argentina’s memorable 2-1 comeback victory over England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal. After falling behind to Anthony Gordon’s second-half strike, Lionel Scaloni’s side fought back through an 85th-minute equaliser from Enzo Fernandez before Lautaro Martinez scored the winner in stoppage time to book a place in the final.
Explaining the decision, the AFA said, “The date was chosen to commemorate Argentina’s historic victory over England in the 2026 World Cup semifinal. Lionel Scaloni’s team was trailing England by a single goal, but with goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez, they turned the game around, sending the entire nation into a frenzy of celebration.”
The federation said the tribute was not limited to the senior men’s team. “The recognition also extends to each and every one of the national teams, including youth, men’s and women’s, futsal, beach soccer and field football, who train every day at the Lionel Andrés Messi training complex with the hope, joy and responsibility of representing Argentina,” the statement added.
The semifinal was one of the defining matches of the tournament and was followed by controversy after some Argentina players celebrated with chants and posters referencing the Falkland Islands, known in Argentina as the Malvinas.
The celebrations drew criticism in England and reignited debate over the long-standing sovereignty dispute between the two nations, although the result on the field remained one of Argentina’s most celebrated World Cup victories.
The newly established National Football Teams Day will now be observed annually to celebrate the achievements and commitment of all Argentine national teams across football disciplines.
–IANS
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