Atlanta Police are gearing up for a complex operation to maintain law and order ahead of the FIFA World Cup semi-final clash between England and Argentina, as reported by The Daily Mail. The two countries will clash against each other at the semi-final at the Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday, July 15.

England and Argentina share a bitter history due to the Falklands War and the infamous Hand of God moment in the 1986 FIFA World Cup. Both the Argentine FA and the English FA get their own allocation of tickets from FIFA but there has been little segregation in games as per FIFA rules.

Several videos are already circulating on social media regarding tensions between Argentina and England fans. One video showed an England fan in the stadium trading punches with three men in Argentina shirts. Another video showed a group of Argentina-shirted followers confronting England fans in a bar.

Argentina fans and players have continuously referenced the Falklands in a popular chant without facing any action from FIFA. They invaded the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic in 1982, but Great Britain reclaimed the overseas territory following the loss of 907 lives.

Another infamous moment between the two countries was in the 1986 FIFA World Cup when Diego Maradona punched the ball past Peter Shilton. It is still remembered as the 'Hand of God' as Argentina won the quarter-final clash 2-1 and went on to win the tournament.

Former England winger Joe Cole has made a confident claim ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final fixture against Argentina. Thomas Tuchel's side will lock horns with the reigning world champions at the Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday, July 15.

The former Chelsea and England winger has highlighted the Three Lions' pace and claimed it would be too much for Lionel Messi's side. He has also backed Thomas Tuchel's side to dominate possession and make lives difficult for the Argentine players. He said:

Lionel Messi has never faced England at the international level across his glittering career. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has been in scintillating form for Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, having scored eight goals and provided two assists in six games.

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