The England vs. Argentina rivalry will play out in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the FBI is ramping up security for the ‘highest-risk’ match of this tournament.
England and Argentina have an illustrious football rivalry, with the 2026 World Cup clash marking the first time in 21 years that the nations have had a match.
But the footballing history, coupled with a major political pain point between the countries, has local U.S. officials like the FBI seriously concerned about security.
Disputed territory clouding World Cup clash between England and Argentina
The Mirror has reported that the FBI and local police are preparing themselves for what they deem the highest-risk clash of the tournament because of the historical divide between the fans over the Falkland Islands.
“England’s clash with Argentina on Wednesday night has been classed as the ‘highest risk’ match at the World Cup after a meeting of the FBI, officials, and local police. The FBI, FIFA, and police met on Monday as they sought to discuss the historical divide between the two nations and concerns over issues that could escalate between supporters.”
The Falkland Islands are a territory under British control. The countries fought a war in 1982 over the territory after an Argentine invasion, but both countries still strongly dispute each other’s claims.
Security measures to distance fans of each nation have been put in place, but there’s no telling what happens after kick-off, depending on where fans are in the stadium and how the match plays out.
There is a rich footballing rivalry as well, with multiple World Cup clashes between the countries. While England won in 1966 and 2002, Argentina won in 1986 and 1998, with Diego Maradona’s defining ‘goal of the century’ and ‘Hand of God’ goals coming in the 1986 clash.
Now, England will be tasked with stopping a different Argentine icon, Lionel Messi, in their first-ever encounter against the 39-year-old legend.
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