England take on Argentina in the World Cup semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday night as the rivalry between the two nations resumes.09:42, 15 Jul 2026Updated 10:00, 15 Jul 2026Argentina's Minister of National Security, Alejandra Monteoliva, has confirmed that fans will not be allowed to carry flags or show any messages that relate to the Falkland Islands in the Atlanta Stadium for the World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina. The 74-day conflict between the two nations back in 1982 has dominated the build-up to the match after Argentina players referenced it during celebrations last week, while US authorities are concerned it could lead to fan violence.‌The two teams face each other on Wednesday night as they aim to join Spain in Sunday’s final following their 2-0 victory over France. Tensions have been building this week ahead of the match, with the two nations' political history threatening to overshadow the match.‌The Falklands War, where 907 people lost their lives, ended in 1982, but it has been heavily referenced in the build-up, with fans singing about it and Argentina's VP branding England 'usurping pirates' in an astonishing rant hours before kick-off.‌Argentina’s security minister, Alejandra Monteoliva, has, however, confirmed that anything referencing the Falklands will be banned from the match in Atlanta this evening. “No one will be allowed to enter with flags or political messages related to the Falklands," she said.JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page“A flag, a t-shirt, a rag, anything that has a message with political content or racial provocation.” FIFA strictly prohibits political messages, slogans, and interference across all matches and, earlier in the tournament, banned England flags with a Barrow logo on it due to the submarine being deemed 'political' and Iran's pre-revolutionary Lion and Sun flag - though this defiend by many fans and seen at World Cup venues.‌It’s been confirmed that there will be extra security measures in place for England's game, which has been labelled as the highest risk. "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,” a statement from Atlanta police said.Content cannot be displayed without consentAdditional 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."There has been plenty of animosity already, with a group of Argentina fans filmed burning the Union Jack near Buenos Aires, following the nation's quarter-final win over Switzerland, which booked their place in the semi-final. The country's vice president, Victoria Villaruel, also launched a scathing attack on England on social media.‌“Tomorrow we play against the usurping pirates. This isn't just another match. I'm not going to be politically correct or cold-hearted; against the English, it's always something more. It's the Malvinas, it's Diego, it's Leo's [Messi] last one, go Argentina! Because until our last breath, we're going to claim what's ours!”Monteoliva also confirmed that the US authorities have been handed a list of more than 30,000 people who are banned from attending sporting events. It’s added that Argentine fans who tried to evade controls have already been identified.Away from the politics, this fixture has plenty of history, though it’s the first meeting of the two countries in the World Cup since the group stage game in 2002, when England won 1-0 thanks to a David Beckham penalty.‌The two previous meetings were full of controversy, with Beckham shown red in the penalty shootout defeat in 1998. There was then the infamous ‘hand of God’ from Diego Maradona in 1986.Following their 3-2 win over Egypt in the last 16, members of the Argentina squad were filmed singing a chant that referenced the Falklands as well as Maradona and Lionel Messi.‌However, despite the build-up, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has called on the focus to be purely on the football. "The message to the Argentine people is that this is a soccer match," he said. "We're going to face a great team with a great coach, but it is just a soccer match, nothing more than that."The game sees England trying to make the final for the first time since winning the tournament in 1966. Argentina, meanwhile, are looking to defend the title which they won four years ago in Qatar.Spain booked their place in the showpiece event in New York on Tuesday night. Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro saw them come out as 2-0 winners over tournament favourites France in impressive fashion.Article continues belowGet the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by _signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now!