Authorities have announced increased security for Wednesday's World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium. The match revives one of football's most storied rivalries, with England seeking their first final since 1966 against defending champions Argentina.

Atlanta Police cited historical tensions stemming from the 1982 Falklands War, a 74-day conflict that killed 649 Argentine and 255 British personnel. The sovereignty dispute over the islands, known in Argentina as Las Malvinas, persists. Police have deployed additional personnel around venues and high-traffic areas to ensure safety.

The rivalry intensified after Argentina's 3-2 win over Egypt, when players sang chants referencing the islands and legends Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi. Maradona's "Hand of God" goal defeated England in 1986, while Messi faces the Three Lions for the first time. Argentine war veterans urged fans to separate sport from politics.

England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford called it "just a game of football." Police praised England fans' behavior in the US but warned UK supporters after 500 incidents and over 100 arrests following Saturday's win over Norway.