sports📡 BBC SportJul 14, 2026👁 1 views

Increased security for England v Argentina tie in Atlanta

Increased security for England and Argentina tie

Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

England and Argentina are meeting at the World Cup for the first time since 2002

ByPaul BattisonBBC Sport journalist

    Authorities say there will be increased security measures in place for Wednesday's World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina.

    The pair will resume one of international football's most storied rivalries at the Atlanta Stadium, as England bid to defeat the defending champions and reach their first World Cup final since 1966.

    Atlanta police are aware of historical tensions between the two countries.

    In 1982, Britain and Argentina fought the Falklands War - a brief 74-day conflict that resulted in the deaths of 649 Argentine soldiers, 255 British combatants and three civilians. The British overseas territory, known in Argentina as Las Malvinas, remains the subject of a sovereignty dispute between the two countries.

    In a statement, Atlanta Police said: "As Atlanta prepares to host an upcoming Fifa World Cup semi-final match and welcomes increased numbers of residents and visitors, the Atlanta Police Department has enhanced its citywide public safety and security posture.

    "Additional personnel and resources are already deployed and will continue to be strategically assigned in and around the event venues, entertainment districts, and other high-traffic areas to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

    "These proactive measures are designed to protect the public, deter criminal activity, and ensure residents and visitors can safely enjoy this historic event."

    After Argentina's dramatic 3-2 win over Egypt in the last 16, players were filmed singing a chant referencing the islands and Argentina greats Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi.