Argentina designates July 15 as National Football Teams Day

The Argentine Football Association has established July 15 as an annual National Football Teams Day, a commemoration created to mark the national team's 2-1 victory over England in the semifinal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The association's executive board approved the designation on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.

According to the AFA, the date was chosen specifically to honor the senior men's team's historic comeback win in Atlanta. England had taken the lead early in the second half through a goal from Anthony Gordon in the 55th minute. Argentina equalized in the 85th minute with a long-range effort from Enzo Fernández before Lautaro Martínez scored a stoppage-time winner in the 92nd minute, securing a place in the final. The association stated the victory sent the entire nation into a frenzy of celebration.

While the day commemorates that specific match, the AFA emphasized that the recognition extends to all national teams representing the country, including youth, women's, futsal, and beach soccer squads who train at the Lionel Andrés Messi training complex.

The semifinal victory, which occurred 40 years after Argentina's famous 1986 World Cup win over England that featured Diego...