KFC gets ‘fully behind’ England with hilarious Argentina employee dig
Fried chicken masters KFC may be convinced that the FIFA Men’s World Cup is coming home to England, but they still aren’t willing to take any chances.
In fact, the fast-food titan has released a playful notice to those manning its regional service centre and restaurants up and down the country, insisting that certain team members take the day off ahead of the Three Lions’ semi-final match against Argentina.
On Wednesday (15 July), Thomas Tuchel’s team will face up against reigning World Cup champions Argentina in Atlanta after knocking Erling Haaland and Norway out of the competition with a 2-1 victory.
Tourists lucky enough to snag tickets for the tournament have completed pilgrimages to Buc-ee’s and caused the TSA to issue statements about flying with ranch sauce.
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Those who have remained in England have been baffled by pitchside displays on TV and spent time collecting football-themed cups and adorable Squishmallows from McDonald’s.
Meanwhile, select KFC staff have been jokingly informed that they should stay home from work on Wednesday as the company gets ‘fully behind the England football team in their bid to send Argentina home’.
“As a team of believers, we believe it's coming home. In light of this, and after careful consideration at the highest levels, we’ve made the decision that any team member at KFC in England named ’Arge’ or ’Tina’ should take Wednesday off, on full pay,” a tongue-in-cheek company notice read.
“Whilst we believe in and value every one of our team members, we felt it was only right to give Arge and Tina a well-earned rest and use it as a chance to get behind their team on such a big night.
“This is a company-wide decision and applies across all English sites,” the troll-like statement added, listing people who are included in the temporary layoff.
KFC said that they understand the side-splitting notice would ‘raise a few questions’, and that managers working with anyone named ‘Tina’ or ‘Arge’ should ‘liaise directly with the RSC regarding arrangements for any affected team members’.
The chain said it didn’t want any of its staff members to be ‘out of pocket for having a zinger of a name’.
The statement added: “Let's get behind the boys. It’s coming home.”
Tina and Arge, if you’re reading - enjoy your well-earned day off!
If England win the World Cup, do we get a bank holiday?
Now that the Three Lions have made it to the semi-finals of the World Cup, thoughts have turned to the possibility that football really could be coming home - and what better way to celebrate England’s success than a day off work?
Outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer previously hinted at the prospect of a bank holiday if Thomas Tuchel’s side win the tournament.
“On the question of a bank holiday, I think I don't want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final,” he told reporters at a Nato conference on 8 July.
With the final taking place on Sunday (19 July), it’s believed that the celebratory bank holiday would likely fall on the following Friday (24 July).
Only time will tell!
World Cup 2026 fixture schedule and UK kick off times
Wednesday, 15 July
Semi-final - Match 102: England vs Argentina, kick-off 8pm - Atlanta, US
Saturday, 18 July
Third Place Playoff - Match 103: France vs Match 102 losers, kick-off 10pm - Miami, US
Sunday, 19 July
Final - Match 104: Spain vs Match 102 winners, kick-off 8pm - New Jersey, US
Ella Scott