Authorities say there will be increased security measures in place for Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina.
The pair will resume one of international football’s most storied rivalries at the Atlanta Stadium, as England bid to defeat the defending champions and reach their first World Cup final since 1966.
Atlanta police are are aware of historical tensions between the two countries.
In 1982, Britain and Argentina fought the Falklands War – a brief 74-day conflict that resulted in the deaths of 649 Argentine soldiers, 255 British combatants and three civilians. The British overseas territory, known in Argentina as Las Malvinas, remains the subject of a sovereignty dispute between the two countries.
In a statement, Atlanta Police said: “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.
“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.
“These proactive measures are designed to protect the public, deter criminal activity, and ensure residents and visitors can safely enjoy this historic event.”
After Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 win over Egypt in the last 16, players were filmed singing a chant referencing the islands and Argentina greats Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi.
Maradona inspired Argentina to victory over England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals as he scored the famous Hand of God goal, while captain Messi is set to face the Three Lions for the first time in his illustrious career.
Amid the build-up to the first World Cup match between the sides in 24 years, an Argentine war veterans federation has called on fans to focus on football rather than politics between the two countries.
“Sovereignty is defended in international forums through diplomacy, historical truth and the peaceful, non-negotiable claim enshrined in our national constitution,” the 2 April War Veterans Federation said in a statement.
“We consider it essential to draw a clear and unwavering line between sporting passion and the national cause.
“The ball rolls, pride in our colours multiplies, but memory remains intact.”
Earlier this week, England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford said it’s “just a game of football” and predicted “football will do its talking” during the match.
Police have praised the behavior of England fans in the US but urged fans back home to follow their example after over 500 domestic football-related incidents over the weekend.
The incidents in the UK took place around England’s 2-1 extra-time win over Norway on Saturday, with more than 100 arrests.
