Enzo Fernandez taunts England fans with Wonderwall post after World Cup semi-final win

Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez has intensified tensions with England supporters by mocking them on social media – hours after scoring a dramatic late equaliser in their 2-1 victory over the Three Lions in the 2026 World Cup semi-final in Atlanta.

The Chelsea player, who struck in the 85th minute to haul Argentina back into the tie, first provoked anger in the stadium with a controversial goal celebration, then later appeared to troll English fans with a pointed Instagram post featuring one of their most famous terrace anthems.

The world champions will now face Spain in Sunday’s final, as they chase back-to-back World Cup titles.

Late equaliser sparks furious reaction

England had been closing in on a place in the final when Lionel Messi slipped a pass through to Fernandez, who drove home the leveller to make it 1-1 with five minutes of normal time remaining.

According to French broadcaster RMC, the 23-year-old immediately ran towards a section of England supporters and cupped his hands to his ears, in a gesture widely interpreted as a deliberate provocation.

The celebration quickly lit up social media and sports talk shows, with pundits and fans debating whether the Argentine had crossed a line in a high‐stakes, emotionally charged match. Some saw it as part of football’s theatre; others condemned it as disrespectful to travelling supporters.

Argentina went on to complete the comeback and win 2-1, ending England’s hopes of reaching the World Cup final for the first time since 1966.

Wonderwall post seen as dig at England

Fernandez did not stop with his on‐field celebration. After the match, he appeared to double down by posting on Instagram, sharing a photo of himself laughing alongside Argentina team-mates Lionel Messi and Leandro Paredes.

He captioned the image: “اسعد الايام” – Arabic for “The happiest days”.

What drew particular attention, however, was his choice of soundtrack for the post: the iconic track Wonderwall by Manchester band Oasis.

The song has been a staple of England supporters for years and has been repeatedly sung by the travelling fans throughout the 2026 World Cup. During this tournament, it became closely associated with the Three Lions’ celebrations after victories, echoing around fan zones and stadiums alike.

By pairing the picture with Wonderwall after knocking England out, Fernandez was widely seen as deliberately appropriating one of England’s unofficial anthems to celebrate Argentina’s triumph.

The move triggered a wave of reaction online, with some England fans accusing him of “rubbing salt in the wound”, while Argentina supporters praised what they viewed as a playful – if provocative – gesture.

Focus shifts to Spain and potential double

Despite the controversy, Fernandez’s attention will now turn to Sunday’s final, where Argentina will face Spain with the chance to secure a second consecutive World Cup crown.

The reigning champions are looking to defend the title they won in Qatar in 2022, with Messi again at the heart of their campaign and Fernandez having established himself as a key figure in midfield.

The match in Atlanta will also offer Fernandez another opportunity to enhance his growing reputation on the global stage, after being widely tipped as one of the outstanding young players of the tournament.

Argentina’s route to the final has been marked by flashes of attacking brilliance, intricate build‐up play and resilient defending – areas in which Fernandez has been heavily involved, from orchestrating transitions to contributing decisively in front of goal.

Rivalry renewed on and off the pitch

The semi-final result and Fernandez’s subsequent actions have added a new chapter to the long and often heated footballing rivalry between Argentina and England, which stretches back decades and has included several World Cup flashpoints.

For now, though, the focus for Argentina is a looming showdown with Spain and the chance to make history with back‐to‐back World Cup titles – while England are left to reflect on a painful exit, and a song that, for this tournament at least, now belongs to someone else’s celebrations.