White House say whether Argentina players should receive FIFA punishment for Falklands display

The White House have said whether they believe Argentina players should receive a punishment for their "The Falkland Islands are Argentine” display against England.

Argentina came from behind once more at the World Cup to secure an impressive semi-final win over England after strikes from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez cancelled out Anthony Gordon's opener.

The performance, led by the irrepressible Lionel Messi, was the sign of champions, but the behaviour of their players post-match has come under scrutiny.

Several Argentina stars could receive a sanction from FIFA after displaying a message reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas", which translates as "The Falklands are Argentine".

Situated 300 miles off the coast of Argentina and 8,000 miles from the British Isles, the Falkland Islands were invaded by Argentina in 1982. But after 10 weeks of conflict, British forces recaptured the islands, and Argentinian soldiers surrendered.

A total of 255 British military personnel were killed, as well as three islanders and 649 Argentine soldiers. Naturally, the Falklands are still the subject of a sovereignty dispute between the two nations.

In the aftermath, Downing Street even released a statement on the Falklands, which read: “The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are”, before adding: “Our position is unchanged. Self-determination rests with the islanders.

“Our commitment to the Falklands will never waver.”

In an open letter to FIFA, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey also called for the players holding the flag to be suspended for Sunday's final vs Spain, with FIFA assessing the situation before making a decision.

"As is standard procedure, FIFA’s independent Disciplinary Committee is currently assessing the match reports and considering the relevant circumstances before deciding on potential further steps based on the FIFA Disciplinary Code," a FIFA spokesman said.

According to Sky News correspondent Rob Harris, though, the White House doesn't support the idea of banning Argentina's players from the final, even rejecting calls from the UK government to punish them.

"The White House backs the Argentina players right to protest about the Falklands at World Cup matches and rejects calls (led by the UK government) to punish them," Harris wrote on X, while also confirming that they believe it's a 'freedom of expression'.

"Trump’s World Cup chief Andrew Giulani told me it’s about first amendment rights on freedom of expression."

The World Cup takes centre stage on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, with the match set to kick off at 8pm BST (3pm local time).

White House met Gianni Infantino over wildfire threat ahead of World Cup final

Controversy surrounding the banner displayed by Argentine players on Wednesday isn't the only talking point ahead of Sunday's final, as there are health risks posed by the Canadian wildfire smoke ahead of the final.

White House and FIFA officials reportedly discussed any potential health risks for players and fans in a meeting on Friday.

Officials have indicated that the chance of cancellation remains extremely remote, while the air quality would probably have to become a “Hazardous” ranking before such a move would be made.

That isn't expected to be the case for Sunday's showdown, as the forecast for n East Rutherford predicts clear skies and temperatures at a moderate 80 degrees Fahrenheit.