Daily Star: England and Argentina anthems drowned out
England and Argentina fans drowned out each other's national anthems before their 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final in Atlanta, the BBC reported. The Daily Star also covered pre-match chaos as Argentina supporters fought and threw bottles among themselves hours before kick-off.
The rivalry boiled over on and off the pitch. BBC footage from Atlanta Stadium showed both anthems lost under crowd noise as the sides prepared to kick off. That hostile start set the tone for a night that later spilled into street disorder, according to follow-up reporting.
Key Takeaways
- Opposing fans drowned out England and Argentina's national anthems before the World Cup semi-final in Atlanta, the BBC said.
- The Daily Star reported Argentina fans brawling and throwing bottles and furniture among themselves on the eve of the match.
- After Argentina's 2-1 win, The Telegraph said England and Argentina fans clashed near Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with some England supporters detained then released.
- Falklands-related goading and a "The Malvinas are Argentine" banner featured in the post-match scenes reported by The Telegraph.
- In London, police escorted a lone Argentina fan to safety on Regent Street after England's defeat, The Telegraph reported.
What did the Daily Star report before kick-off?
According to the Daily Star, chaos erupted in Atlanta hours before England faced Argentina in the World Cup semi-final. Footage shared online appeared to show Argentina fans fighting one another and throwing bottles, bins and furniture.
The paper said the brawl involved two groups of Argentine supporters on the night of July 14. Local police stepped in to keep the groups apart. It was unclear whether anyone was arrested as the factions dispersed.
The Daily Star also noted that the winner would join Spain in the final on Sunday, July 19, raising the stakes for a fixture already framed as a heated clash.
How were the national anthems drowned out?
The BBC reported that both England and Argentina's national anthems were drowned out by crowd noise before kick-off at Atlanta Stadium. The clip captured the moment supporters overpowered the ceremonies as the teams lined up for their semi-final.
That spectacle mattered because it signalled how raw the England-Argentina rivalry still is at a World Cup. For readers following celebrity breaking news and viral sports moments, the anthem scenes became the first viral flashpoint of the night.
Did fans clash after the England vs Argentina match?
Yes. The Telegraph reported that England and Argentina fans clashed after the semi-final, with sporadic fighting near the stadium in Atlanta. A number of England supporters were detained by Atlanta police after the 2-1 defeat. The British embassy said those held were released during the evening.
Trouble flared outside the Hudson Grille close to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a bar popular with England fans, as victorious Argentina supporters walked past. Police remained on site for about two hours. Photographs showed some England fans led away in handcuffs and others appearing bloodied.
The Telegraph also described Falklands-related tension: video of an England fan goading Argentines with a Falklands flag, and Argentina players celebrating with a banner reading "The Malvinas are Argentine." Separately in London, a lone Argentina fan was rescued from a crowd on Regent Street and led to a police van amid jeers.
Taken together, the Daily Star's pre-match disorder, the BBC's drowned-out anthems, and The Telegraph's post-match clashes show why security and fan conduct dominated coverage of this World Cup semi-final.