Argentina stopped politics from overshadowing football ahead of their World Cup 2026 semifinal clash with England. Manager Lionel Scaloni made it clear the game is just that — a match — and rejected any attempt to tie it to the 1982 Falklands War. Last result: Angola 0-2 Argentina (2025-11-14).

Why Scaloni shut down politics in football

The Albiceleste boss warned politicizing the game would be a mistake. At a press conference hours before the July 15 match, Scaloni noted the Falklands conflict remains in Argentina’s collective memory, but stressed today’s players and fans bear no blame for that past. “What fault do the players have? What fault does the current generation have?”, he asked.

Scaloni also argued that, in a world still torn by war, using football to revive old grudges is absurd. “In this era, wars rage elsewhere and we criticize them. If I say this game is more than football, that’s madness”, he said.

Mexico 1986 memories and the blue away kit

Scaloni embraced the memory of Argentina’s 2-1 win over England at Mexico 1986, where Diego Maradona scored the Goal of the Century. “Everyone remembers that game, Maradona’s performance, and above all the second goal — one that still warms our hearts”, he admitted.

On the return of the blue away kit — as in 1986 — the coach downplayed its significance. “I didn’t ask for the blue shirt. I don’t know who did. Maybe it’s tradition, I don’t know”, he said with a shrug. Argentina already wore the away kit in the group stage, but Scaloni made clear there’s no intent to stoke old rivalries.

The Albiceleste’s journey: reaching the semis wasn’t luck

Scaloni praised the team’s path, which delivered a semifinal berth after years of work. “Reaching a World Cup semifinal is something I’d have signed for; the route doesn’t matter”, he said. The coach highlighted that, with elite teams already eliminated, the achievement is historic.

He also urged fans to honor past teams that fell just short. “The 2014 World Cup finalists, the 2015 and 2016 Copa América finalists — I wish their efforts had been valued too”, he reflected.

Argentina rides a three-game winning streak — Recent form (last 3): 3W-0D-0L— and will chase a final spot this Wednesday. England arrive with a squad packed with stars, but Scaloni trusts his group: “We have no regrets. This is a huge achievement — and we’re taking it as such.”