England supporters have accused FIFA of "hypocrisy" after a shipyard worker's submarine flag was banned from World Cup stadiums, while Argentina players were pictured celebrating their side's semi-final win over England by dancing with a banner declaring "the Falklands are ours". The row has added a political edge to an already ill-tempered exit from the tournament, with fans questioning why one form of symbolism was prohibited by organisers while another was allowed to be displayed on the pitch.

The controversy followed a bruising semi-final defeat in which Argentina eliminated England, sparking ugly scenes including Jude Bellingham appearing to slap Argentina's Valentin Barco during celebrations and a Piccadilly Circus incident in which a TikTok prankster in an Argentina shirt had to be rescued by police from a crowd of England fans. Manager Thomas Tuchel has faced heavy criticism, including from Wayne Rooney, over substitutions made during the match, with commentators arguing England's late collapse was self-inflicted rather than forced by Argentina.