The match, shown on large screens inside the UN delegates’ lounge, unfolded alongside sessions of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development and the Security Council’s ongoing work. Diplomats, aides and UN staff alternated between official duties and the game, watching portions of the match while monitoring phones and laptops.

The victory sent Argentina into Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain, capping a tournament that many officials described as one marked by unexpected results and surprise performances.

The atmosphere contrasted with the normally formal environment at UN headquarters, where conversations are typically dominated by negotiations, resolutions and diplomatic consultations. Even so, discussions surrounding football often reflected the diverse political and historical backgrounds of those gathered.

Turkey’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Ahmet Yildiz, avoided choosing a side when asked which team he supported, replying that he was “with whoever wins,” reflecting the cautious neutrality often associated with diplomatic exchanges.

Many delegates said they had only managed to follow parts of the tournament because of demanding schedules. Agnieszka, a Polish diplomat attending the political forum, said she had been impressed by the number of unexpected outcomes, including Spain’s victory over France and Norway’s deep run in the competition.

She said Egypt and Morocco had also exceeded expectations, adding that the tournament had provided delegates with a welcome opportunity to briefly shift their attention away from demanding international discussions.

Norway emerged as one of the competition’s standout stories after qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in 28 years. Led by Erling Haaland and captain Martin Odegaard, the team advanced to the quarterfinals before losing 2-1 to England.

Egypt’s elimination remained a major talking point among those watching the tournament at the United Nations. According to the source material, Egypt surrendered a two-goal lead late in its round-of-16 match against Argentina before losing 3-2 after a stoppage-time winner.

The Egyptian Football Association subsequently lodged a formal complaint with FIFA regarding several officiating decisions during the match, including a video assistant referee review that disallowed an Egyptian goal and a penalty appeal that was rejected before Argentina’s winning goal.

FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina defended the officiating decisions as being consistent with the rules, though debate over the match continued among diplomats and longtime UN observers.

John, a veteran United Nations correspondent, said Egypt had reason to feel aggrieved over the outcome. He also recalled earlier World Cups when national delegations gathered in larger numbers wearing team jerseys and creating a livelier atmosphere inside UN headquarters.

He noted that several traditional football powers, including Brazil, Germany, the Netherlands and France, had exited the tournament earlier than expected, while Italy had failed to qualify.

Mohammed Al-Haidari, a member of Iraq’s mission to the United Nations, said he supported England in Wednesday’s semifinal but regarded Egypt’s campaign as one of the tournament’s most memorable achievements. He added that he has long favored teams making their first World Cup appearances, while also celebrating Iraq’s own qualification.

Senyo Agbohlah of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism said his football loyalties reflected both his Ghanaian birth and British nationality, making him a committed England supporter. Having attended the 2006, 2010 and 2022 World Cups, he praised recent changes to offside and injury-time rules and welcomed the tournament’s expansion to 48 teams, saying it created greater opportunities for smaller football nations, particularly in Africa.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar, said he had only managed to watch parts of Wednesday’s match between meetings but observed that it had generated significant interest throughout the diplomatic community. He said Pakistan’s football supporters traditionally favor South American teams, particularly Brazil and Argentina, and recalled Argentina’s 1978 World Cup triumph alongside Pakistan’s Hockey World Cup victory in Buenos Aires the same year.

As the second half progressed, many delegates returned to conference rooms and formal meetings, leaving the lounge quieter until another goal or a break in proceedings briefly drew attention back to the screens.