Argentina's anti-England chants, explained: The history behind Falklands War song, lyrics and more

Argentina and England have sparingly faced off with one another in recent decades. That hasn't stopped Argentina supporters from making the English the subject of one of their favorite chants.

The soccer superpowers return to the field in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup, hoping to move one step closer to hoisting the famous trophy for themselves. When they take to the field, both sides will be greeted by a track that, among other things, honors Argentine sacrifice during the Falklands War.

Here's what you need to know about Argentina's anti-England chant, a tune that has gotten some serious burn at this year's World Cup.

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What does Argentina chant during soccer games?

Argentina matches tend to be soundtracked by a familiar hymn, one which laps over the Seleccion's fanbase as they bounce up and down in the bleachers.

The tune celebrates Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, two titans of Argentine soccer. It also pays tribute to Las Malvinas — the Falkland Islands — an archipelago located 300 miles off the east of Argentina that has been under British rule since 1833.

"Y ya lo ve, y ya lo ve,” the fans chant before reaching an emphatic crescendo. “El que no salta, Es un ingles!”

Anti-England chant meaning in English

At the heart of the incantation is anti-English sentiment. The track references the Falklands War, an armed conflict between Argentina's military government and the United Kingdom that took place over 74 days in 1982. Argentina invaded the Falklands and South Georgia, another island under British sovereignty, sparking off the war.

The track — and the war that precipitated it — has proven memorable to the Argentine fanbase.

"It's part of the Argentine culture," Argentine journalist Nicolas Rotnitzsky told BBC. "It's like we are not them - we are us'. So we have to jump to prove that we are not one of them."

Why Argentina players sing anti-England song

Like its fanbase, Argentina's players have also shown a passion for the tune in recent years. After La Albiceleste bested Switzerland in extra time to advance to the semifinals, players joined in on their supporters' Falklands-themed serenade on the pitch.

When they disappeared into the locker room, the chant remained, dancing through the air as they bobbed back and forth in jubilation. Argentina's official social media account proceeded to post a video of the celebration on X.

Study up and learn, this is how La Scaloneta sings 🤩 pic.twitter.com/7KId82jDoc

While the song has undoubtedly political origins, supporters of the tune argue that it merely works to foster Argentine identity. Importantly, Rotnitzsky argues, the song is not about hate.

Argentina midfielder Rodrigo de Paul agreed, saying the chants are "very much about our heroes."

"We have to understand that this is a football match and that the Malvinas issue needs to be discussed elsewhere," De Paul said.

Falklands War song lyrics in English

Here's a look at the English translation of Argentina's Falklands War chant.

And 32 years later, La Scaloneta will get revenge

For the cup they stole from the 10, the one they wouldn't let us lift

I want to see the fourth star, shining on the jersey

I've been Argentine from the cradle to the grave

For the Malvinas, Diego, for Leo's last one

Argentina, I want to see you become back-to-back champions

I'm a fan of the national team, I support it with all my heart

We won the third with Lionel, we want to be champions again

And 32 years later, La Scaloneta will get revenge

For the cup they stole from the 10, the one they wouldn't let us lift.

What was the Falklands War?

The Falklands War was an undeclared armed conflict between Argentina, ran by a U.S.-backed military junta, and the United Kingdom.

The war lasted a little more than two months. Argentina's dictatorship, installed in March 1976 after a coup d'etat, enjoyed strong relationships with various Western countries, including the United States. Despite this, the country's decision to invade the Falklands drew widespread international condemnation, with the U.S. offering military aid to the Brits and Russia and China refusing to veto Britain's anti-Argentine resolution in the United Nations.

The war ended in Argentine defeat. The United Kingdom retained its territorial claim over the archipelago. The outcome proved especially significant to the military junta, which dissolved one year later in favor of civilian rule.

Where are Falkland Islands?

The Falkland Islands are located in the South Atlantic Ocean on the Patagonian Shell. The islands are situated about 300 miles east of the southern tip of Argentina. By comparison, the Falklands are located more than 8,000 miles away from England.

Falklands War details

The war started on April 2, 1982 when Argentine forces made amphibious landings on the Falkland Islands. Weeks prior, Argentine marines disguised as merchants raised the flag of Argentina at South Georgia Island, another British colonial possession. That action is widely considered as the first offensive action to be taken in the conflict.

Britain's Royal Navy was sent to quell Argentina's uprising. The South American nation proceeded to occupy the Falkland Islands, setting off a low-level armed conflict that resulted in nearly 1,000 deaths.

What year was the Falklands War?

The Falklands War took place in 1982. Argentina's government had enjoyed Western backing in the years prior to the Falklands War. In fact, some observers speculated that the military junta hoped to divert attention from the mass murder and disappearances of political dissidents that had taken place during the Dirty War.

Who won the Falklands War?

Argentina surrendered after just six weeks, marking the end of the Falklands War. Argentina returned to civilian rule one year later, while United Kingdom prime minister Margaret Thatcher enjoyed sweeping support en route to parliamentary victory in 1983.

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Falklands War casualties 

A total of 907 people were killed during the Falklands War, while more than 1,100 Argentines and 750 Brits were injured. Three civilians — Falkland Islanders Doreen Bonner, Susan Whitley and Mary Goodwin —were killed by accidental British shelling.

Who helped Argentina in the Falklands War?

Several states in the Non-Aligned Movement offered support for Argentina during the Falklands War, including Cuba. Peru and Libya also offered support for the Argentines, as did Israel, allegedly.