The White House has defended Argentina’s men’s football team over the controversial Falklands banner waved by players during the World Cup semi-final against England, asserting their right to free speech under the First Amendment.

Argentina faces potential disciplinary action from FIFA after the team displayed a banner reading 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas' (The Falklands are Argentine), which appears to violate rules on political statements.Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House FIFA task force, emphasized the team’s right to express their stance in the U.S.Meanwhile, Downing Street has called for FIFA to investigate the incident, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to the Falkland Islands.

The Falklands, a British overseas territory, remain a disputed sovereignty issue between the UK and Argentina, with a 2013 referendum showing overwhelming support for British sovereignty.

The match, which Argentina won 2-1, followed tensions over political statements, as manager Lionel Scaloni insisted football and politics should remain separate.FIFA’s disciplinary committee is assessing the incident, having previously fined Argentina for similar banners in 2024.The final between Argentina and Spain will see Lionel Messi face 19-year-old Lamine Yamal, with the UK expressing support for both teams.