Both England and Argentina fans drowned out their opponents’ national anthem as the semi-final match in Atlanta on Wednesday (15 July) kicked off. As both teams lined up beside their flag to sing their national anthems, boos and jeers could be heard from the opposing side, drowning out “God Save The King” and “Himno Nacional Argentino”, respectively. The winner of the clash will earn a spot in New York City for Sunday’s final, where they will face off against Spain. Prior to the match, a meeting involving the FBI, Fifa and local police addressed the deep-seated historical animosity between the nations and potential fan escalation. Tensions linger between the two nations over the Falkland Islands, which resulted in a conflict in 1982.

The pairing of England versus Argentina in the second semifinal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday has again exhumed memories of one of the bitter-sweet rivalries of the…

As England and Argentina prepare to meet in Atlanta, memories of the 1982 conflict, Diego Maradona and a rivalry unlike any other ensure this is about far more than football