Argentina have secured their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final — but the reigning champions risk sanctions from football's governing body after midfielder Giovani Lo Celso carried a banner reading "The Falkland Islands are Argentinian" onto the pitch during the post-match celebrations in Atlanta.

The banner, which FIFA had previously prohibited due to its political significance, initially appeared to be held by spectators in the crowd before Lo Celso brought it onto the field. The incident has placed Argentina in potential breach of IFAB regulations, which are clear on the matter.

"Equipment must not have any political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images. Players must not reveal undergarments that show political, religious, personal slogans, statements or images, or advertising other than the manufacturer's logo,"

The IFAB rulebook adds: "For any offence the player and/or the team will be sanctioned by the competition organiser, national football association or by FIFA."

A dramatic comeback in Atlanta

On the pitch, Argentina produced a stunning turnaround. Anthony Gordon had given Thomas Tuchel's England the lead, but a thunderous long-range strike from Enzo Fernandez in the 85th minute levelled proceedings. Lautaro Martinez then sealed a place in the final with a stoppage-time header, sending Lionel Messi and his teammates into jubilation.

It was a result that echoed Argentina's quarter-final victory over Switzerland, where players were heard chanting references to the Malvinas and the late Diego Maradona.

Political tensions spill beyond the pitch

The contest was inflamed before a ball was kicked. Argentina's vice-president, Victoria Villarruel, published a provocative message on the eve of the semi-final, describing England as "usurping pirates" and framing the match as a conflict intertwined with history, sovereignty, and the legacy of Maradona.

"This isn't just another match. I'm not going to be politically correct or cold-hearted; against the English, it's always something more," Villarruel wrote.

Off the pitch, the atmosphere deteriorated sharply. Fighting broke out among supporters in Atlanta following the final whistle, with police making a number of arrests. In New York, rival fans clashed in scenes that underscored the charged nature of the fixture.

Inside the stadium, tensions also surfaced among the players. Morgan Rogers was held back after a confrontation with Argentina players at full time, while Jude Bellingham was seen appearing to slap Argentina's Valentin Barco as tempers flared in the closing moments.

FIFA has yet to comment on the banner incident, but the governing body's regulations leave little ambiguity — and Argentina's moment of triumph could yet carry a significant cost.