Authorities have announced heightened security measures ahead of Wednesday’s FIFA World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina in Atlanta.
The match will renew one of international football’s most historic rivalries, with England seeking to defeat the defending champions and reach their first World Cup final since 1966.
The Atlanta Police Department said it was aware of the historical tensions between the two countries and had strengthened its security posture across the city ahead of the highly anticipated fixture.
“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,” the department said.
The measures come against the backdrop of the 1982 Falklands War, a 74-day conflict between Britain and Argentina that resulted in the deaths of 649 Argentine soldiers, 255 British service personnel and three civilians. The sovereignty dispute over the islands, known in Argentina as Las Malvinas, remains unresolved.
Police said additional personnel would be deployed around the stadium, entertainment districts and other busy areas to protect the public, deter criminal activity and ensure the match passes peacefully.
Tensions have also been heightened by events surrounding Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt in the last 16. Players were filmed singing a chant referencing the disputed islands and Argentine football legends Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi.
Maradona famously inspired Argentina to a 2-1 victory over England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final, scoring the controversial “Hand of God” goal. Messi, meanwhile, is set to face England for the first time in his illustrious international career.
Ahead of the match, an Argentine war veterans’ federation urged supporters to keep politics separate from football.
“We consider it essential to draw a clear and unwavering line between sporting passion and the national cause,” the 2 April War Veterans Federation said.
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has also urged fans to maintain perspective, describing the fixture as “just a game of football” and saying he expected “football to do its talking.”
Police have praised the conduct of England fans in the United States but urged supporters back home to follow their example after more than 500 football-related incidents were recorded in the UK over the weekend.
More than 100 arrests were made in connection with incidents surrounding England’s 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway on Saturday.
