UK: Even If We Don't Win the World Cup, the Falkland Islands Are Definitely Ours

2026 World Cup Key News

Central News Report

(Central News Agency reporter Chen Yun-yu, London, 16th) Argentina defeated England in the World Cup semi-final on the 15th, after which players raised a black-on-white banner stating 'The Malvinas Islands (Falkland Islands) belong to Argentina.' A spokesperson for the UK Prime Minister's office said today: 'The UK may not win the World Cup, but the Falkland Islands are definitely ours.'

Falkland Islands Dispute

The Falkland Islands are currently a British Overseas Territory. In 2013, the Falkland Islands, whose residents are predominantly of British descent, held a referendum on the question: 'Do you wish the Falkland Islands to retain their current political status as a British Overseas Territory?'

With a voter turnout exceeding 90%, an overwhelming 99.8% of votes supported maintaining the current political status.

The UK established long-term effective administration over the Falkland Islands in the 19th century, but Argentina has never abandoned its sovereignty claim over the islands, referring to them as the Islas Malvinas.

In 1982, Argentina invaded the islands, prompting the UK to send military forces in response—an event known as the Falklands War. The conflict ended with Argentina's surrender, but memories of the war remain a significant element in Argentina's national identity formation and consolidation.

Ahead of the match on the 15th, several Argentine political figures revived the sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands. Vice President Victoria Villarruel publicly described England as an 'invader' and 'pirate.'

Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno wrote an article in a major local newspaper questioning the legal validity of the 2013 referendum, arguing that the islanders were a 'deliberately implanted population' and that the UK's 'illegal occupation' of the islands would not become 'legitimate sovereignty' over time.

The UK Prime Minister's office rejected Quirno's claim of 'implanted population.' Prior to this, the office had repeatedly emphasized that islanders have the right to self-determination, which they had already exercised through an overwhelming referendum result. The UK government has consistently supported the right to self-determination of the Falkland Islanders.

Following the match on the 15th, Quirno further expressed 'strongest opposition' via a Foreign Ministry statement shared on social media platform X, condemning the 'illegal' activities of the UK Royal Navy's offshore patrol vessel HMS Medway in waters around the Falkland Islands, accusing the UK of 'military incursion' into Argentine territorial waters.

In response, a UK Prime Minister's office spokesperson stated that Argentina had been 'previously notified' of the Royal Navy's planned routine logistical support visit to the Falkland Islands. The spokesperson emphasized that the Royal Navy's actions have 'always fully complied with international law.'

Regarding the Argentine football players publicly displaying a political slogan on the Falklands sovereignty after the match on the 15th, the spokesperson said the UK government supports earlier comments made by Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle to the media, including that FIFA must 'conduct a thorough investigation' into Argentina's actions.

The banner reading 'The Malvinas Islands belong to Argentina' was first raised by fans celebrating Argentina's victory, then passed to players who openly displayed it on the pitch.

World Cup regulations explicitly prohibit players from displaying political or religious messages, slogans, or any form of expression—regardless of language—before, during, or after matches.

Kyle told UK media today that Argentina's actions were 'completely inappropriate' and that 'politics should be separated from football.' He added, 'We (the UK) expect FIFA to conduct an investigation,' noting that Argentina had 'blatantly violated the rules.'

In contrast, Kyle pointed out that the England team 'maintained dignity and composure,' creating a 'stark contrast' with Argentina's conduct. (Edited by Chen Yen-chun) 1150717

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