'31 Dirty Tricks': English media slams Argentina's tactics in World Cup semi-final

England's heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, has reignited one of football's fiercest rivalries, with British newspaper The Telegraph publishing a minute-by-minute catalogue of what it described as 31 "dirty tricks" employed by the South Americans throughout the contest.

The report accused Argentina of repeatedly crossing the line with cynical fouls, gamesmanship and intimidation as Lionel Scaloni's side booked a place in Sunday's World Cup final against Spain.

Among the incidents highlighted were Alexis Mac Allister's late challenge on Elliot Anderson just a minute into the game, Leandro Paredes pushing Jude Bellingham from behind, Giuliano Simeone's series of physical confrontations with England players, and Lionel Messi allegedly kicking out at Djed Spence before later bundling Bellingham into the advertising boards.

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The Telegraph also criticised Argentina for surrounding the referee on several occasions, claimed someone on the bench threw a second ball onto the pitch to delay an England throw-in, and accused goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez of deliberately wasting time late in the match.

The newspaper ended its list by referencing the post-match display of a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas," reviving the long-standing sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands.

Despite England taking the lead through Anthony Gordon in the 55th minute, Argentina mounted a late comeback.

Enzo Fernández levelled with a superb strike five minutes from time before Lautaro Martínez headed home Messi's cross deep into stoppage time to send the defending champions into the final.

While The Telegraph argued Argentina mastered football's "dark arts" to gain a psychological edge, others pointed to England's increasingly defensive approach after going ahead, with Thomas Tuchel's side unable to withstand relentless Argentine pressure in the closing stages.

Argentina will now face Spain in Sunday's World Cup final, while England take on France in the third-place playoff.

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