Argentina’s vice-captain has called England ‘usurpers’ on the brink of the World Cup | World Cup 2026 news

Argentina’s vice-president’s comments come ahead of the World Cup semi-final against England and amid a dispute over sovereignty.

Argentina’s Vice President Victoria Villarruel has called white nationalists “treasonous usurpers” ahead of the two countries’ World Cup finals.

“We play against pirates who have taken over. It’s not just another game,” Villarruel said in a post on X.

The famous football match takes place in the wake of the independence dispute over the Falkland Islands, known in Spanish as the Malvinas, in the South Atlantic Ocean.

“I’m not politically correct or moderate – it’s always anti-English,” Villarruel wrote.

“It’s the Malvinas, it’s Diego, it’s the last time for Leo, and it’s about to stop the attackers,” he continued, referring to former football legend Diego Maradona and former player Lionel Messi.

“Go to Argentina! Because until our last breath, we will continue to say what is ours!” he wrote, echoing the famous song that Argentina fans sang during the tournament.

Villarruel’s father fought in the Falklands War of 1982 between the dictators of Argentina and the United Kingdom over the disputed South Atlantic islands.

The 74-day war ended with a British victory, leaving 649 Argentines and 255 Britons dead.

The vice president’s comments differed from those of Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni and several players, who sought to downplay the meaning of the game and the history of the game.

“It’s a game of football, plain and simple. So, mixing the two would be madness,” Scaloni said.

On Tuesday, Argentina’s Minister of Defense Alejandra Monteoliva said that under the security plan for the semifinal in Atlanta, fans will be prohibited from bringing flags or other items that represent the Falkland Islands into the stadium.