With tensions already high ahead of the blockbuster World Cup semi-final between Argentina and England, English fans tuning in on BBC were very dissatisfied at national anthem time.

As both sides lined up in Atlanta pre-match, England’s national anthem God Save The King was serenaded by a chorus of Argentinian boos.

This left viewers at home unable to hear the anthem, leading to the English fans to return the favour despite Argentina’s enthusiastic vocal performance.

BBC viewers opted to blame the broadcaster for apparent sound issues not realising it was supporters in the stadium who drowned out the anthems with boos.

BBC Viewers Made Baffling Error During Complaints About England Anthem Vs Argentina

Fury as Argentina fans boo so loudly that God Save the King is drowned out – before England supporters boo their anthem https://t.co/KgczJ3ijUW

— Daily Mail Sport (@MailSport) July 15, 2026

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Former England captain Stuart Pearce condemned both sets of supporters for their part in the pre-match booing.

It’s the most disrespectful I’ve ever known two sets of fans to be so anti each other’s anthems

Pearce said on World Cup GameDay Live.

And to be fair, I fully expected it to be honest to you, it shows venom.

@BBC what’s with the sound on this England game??? Couldn’t hear the national anthems at all

— Amy Wilkinson (@sparklydazzler) July 15, 2026

England’s semi-final showdown in North America marked the first competitive clash between the pair since the 2002 World Cup.

England’s rivalry on the pitch with Argentina goes as far back as the 1966 World Cup, as the eventual winners England claimed a 1-0 win over the South American powerhouse.

Argentina felt there were unfairly officiated in the narrow defeat, which saw recently deceased Antonio Rattin shown his marching orders in the first half.

England went on to win the World Cup with a 4-2 win over West Germany, which remains their only international triumph to date.

The South Americans exacted revenge over England at the Azteca Stadium 20 years later as Diego Maradona netted twice in a 2-1 win.

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