The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation has classified Wednesday’s FIFA World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina as the tournament’s highest-risk fixture.

According to the Daily Mirror, the assessment followed a security meeting on Monday involving the FBI, FIFA officials, and local law enforcement.

During the meeting, the media platform reported on Tuesday that the FBI labelled the match the “highest-risk” one over concerns of the long-standing rivalry between the two nations and the potential for crowd disturbances.

As part of the security arrangements, England and Argentina supporters will enter the Mercedes-Benz Stadium through separate gates, although there will be no segregation inside the venue.

Officials have made efforts to keep rival fans apart, but acknowledged that ticket resale platforms have made it difficult to guarantee separation once supporters are inside the stadium.

The rivalry between England and Argentina extends beyond football, shaped in part by the 1982 Falklands War, in which 907 people lost their lives after Argentina invaded the islands and Britain reasserted control.

Tensions were also heightened this week after Argentina’s foreign minister reiterated the country’s claim over the Falkland Islands, a position rejected by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, however, sought to downplay the political undertones ahead of the match.

“The message to the Argentine people is that this is a soccer match. We’re going to face a great team with a great coach, but it is just a soccer match, nothing more than that,” Scaloni said.

The Atlanta Police Department also confirmed it had strengthened security across the city ahead of the semi-final.

“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,” the department said in a statement.

“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.”

The match, scheduled for Wednesday night, will determine the second finalist of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the winner set to face either Spain or France in Sunday’s final.

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FIFA has announced the match officials for Match 101 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with experienced Salvadoran referee, Ivan Barton, set to officiate the blockbuster semi-final between France and Spain.

The world football governing body confirmed the appointments in a post on its official X account on Monday.

It reads, “The match officials for FIFA World Cup Match 101 have been appointed.”

According to FIFA, Barton will oversee the highly anticipated clash at Dallas Stadium on Tuesday, July 14, with kick-off scheduled for 3:00 p.m. EDT.

He will be assisted by fellow Salvadoran David Moran as Assistant Referee 1, while Argentina’s Antonio Pupiro has been named Assistant Referee 2.

Sweden’s Glenn Nyberg will serve as the fourth official, with compatriot Mahbod Beigi appointed as the reserve assistant referee.

The appointment places Barton in charge of one of the biggest fixtures of the tournament, with two European football giants battling for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

France booked their place in the last four after another impressive run, relying on their blend of defensive solidity and attacking flair.

Led by captain Kylian Mbappé, Les Bleus are aiming to reach another World Cup final after lifting the trophy in 2018 and finishing runners-up in 2022.

Spain, meanwhile, have emerged as one of the tournament’s standout performers, with Barcelona star, Lamine Yamal as one of the brightest stars.

The former world champions have impressed with their possession-based style, youthful energy and clinical finishing as they seek a second World Cup title, having last won the competition in 2010.

Tuesday’s encounter will renew one of European football’s fiercest rivalries. Both nations boast rich World Cup histories, and the winner will advance to the final, while the loser will contest the third-place playoff.

The France-Spain semi-final is one of the marquee fixtures of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, pitting two of Europe’s most successful football nations against each other for a place in the final.

France are chasing a record-extending fifth appearance in a FIFA World Cup final. Les Bleus lifted the trophy on home soil in 1998 before reclaiming the title in 2018.

They also finished runners-up in 2006 and 2022, and victory over Spain would see them reach a third consecutive World Cup final after appearances in Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022.

Spain, meanwhile, are seeking only their second appearance in a World Cup final. La Roja won their maiden world title in South Africa in 2010, defeating the Netherlands 1-0 after extra time, but have not returned to the final since then. A win over France would end a 16-year wait for another shot at football’s biggest prize.

The two nations have met just once previously at the FIFA World Cup, with France coming from behind to defeat Spain 3-1 in the Round of 16 at the 2006 tournament.

The encounter will rekindle their recent rivalry following Spain’s 2-1 victory over France in the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-final, a result that propelled the Spaniards to the European title.

With a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at stake, the semi-final promises to be a compelling contest between France’s tournament experience and Spain’s resurgent, possession-based style under a new generation of players.

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