The Falkland Islands are a South Atlantic archipelago that has remained a British Overseas Territory since 1833.
Located roughly 300 miles east of Argentina, the islands are claimed by Buenos Aires as its own sovereign territory.
Tensions peaked in 1982 when Argentina invaded; the conflict ended in a British victory.
The war lasted 74 days and left 907 dead: 649 Argentine service members, 255 British personnel, and three islanders.
Honouring those who died 44 years ago—while the islands remain under British control—is a significant part of Argentine remembrance, reflected in several songs.
Before a March friendly against Zambia at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires, Falklands War veterans joined the players on the pitch for the national anthem.
At football matches—and even rock concerts—crowds frequently bounce and chant a line implying that anyone not jumping is English.
Authorities have announced enhanced security measures given the historical sensitivities.
“It’s part of Argentine culture,” journalist Nicolas Rotnitzsky told BBC Sport.
He described the chant as an expression of identity—“we are us, not them”—with jumping used to show membership of the in-group.
Rotnitzsky says that, along with Brazil, England are among Argentina’s biggest football rivals.
He stresses it is not driven by hatred.
For him, the Malvinas conflict shapes national identity—“it’s about who we are.”
Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul says the chants are primarily about honouring “our heroes,” not politics.
He adds that the Malvinas question should be debated away from the football pitch.
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford called it “just a game of football” and said the sport would speak for itself.
Argentina’s April 2 War Veterans Federation has emphasized the match is neither an armed rematch nor historical payback.
Still, the overlap between politics and sport is unavoidable.
This week, Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno said the Falklands’ population was “artificially implanted by the occupying power.”
The UK government responded that Falkland Islanders are British and have the right to decide their own future.
Even Fifa has not been able to ignore the political backdrop.
Premier League referee Anthony Taylor was considered for the 2022 World Cup final but was ruled out once Argentina reached the match.