Argentina erupts after late win over England to reach World Cup final

Thousands of jubilant fans flooded the streets of Buenos Aires on Wednesday 15 July after Argentina secured its place in the FIFA World Cup final. The defending champions sealed victory in stoppage time when Lautaro Martínez scored two minutes into added time in Atlanta, securing a 2-1 win over England. The late winner set up a final clash against Spain on Sunday.

Celebrations erupted across the Argentine capital, with fireworks lighting up the night sky as fans danced, chanted, waved Argentine flags and climbed lampposts and traffic lights. The country hopes to win its fourth World Cup title.

The match revived one of football's most politically charged rivalries. In Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands, England supporters watched the game on Falkland Islands Television, highlighting the enduring sensitivity between the two nations. The rivalry remains closely linked to the 1982 Falklands War and Diego Maradona's infamous 'Hand of God' goal during the 1986 World Cup quarter-final. Argentina continues to claim sovereignty over the British overseas territory, which it calls the Malvinas, leaving the dispute unresolved.