Uber Eats UK pulls Argentine food from menu ahead of England's World Cup semifinal clash

Uber Eats UK has temporarily pulled Argentine food items from its platform ahead of England's 2026 North and Central America World Cup semifinal against Argentina — a move the company is billing as a patriotic marketing stunt. The campaign has drawn wide attention as a show of support for the national team.

In an official statement Tuesday, Uber Eats UK said it had made "the difficult decision" to suspend sales of Argentine steak, chimichurri and empanadas while England faces Argentina on Wednesday.

The company also said orders of dulce de leche — Argentina's beloved national dessert — may be restricted until further notice.

All of the suspended items are staples of Argentine food culture.

Chimichurri is an essential herb sauce served alongside asado, the country's traditional barbecue. Empanadas are a popular South American meat pastry enjoyed as a snack. Dulce de leche is a sweet caramel spread made by simmering milk and sugar, and is a fixture of Argentine cuisine.

"Thank you for your understanding while football takes priority," Uber Eats added, saying normal service would resume after the final whistle.

The move has been widely praised as a marketing campaign that taps directly into the mood of England's football fans.

By declaring a tongue-in-cheek boycott of the opposition's food, Uber Eats struck a chord with supporters and consumers across Britain.

Online reactions ranged from enthusiastic — "I'm in," "See you Thursday" — to the suggestion that Argentina's steaks be sent to the England squad for protein. Some users simply could not believe the company was serious.

England and Argentina are considered one of football's fiercest rivalries.

The political and historical tensions between the two countries, ignited by the 1982 Falklands War, hardened into a footballing grudge match through Diego Maradona's infamous "Hand of God" goal in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal in Mexico.

Any match between the two nations is seen as more than sport — it is a contest of national pride.

The World Cup semifinal between England and Argentina takes place Thursday at Atlanta Stadium in the United States.