The Atlanta Police Department in the United States plans to deploy 1,600 officers to bolster security measures ahead of Wednesday's World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina, due to their fierce football rivalry. The tournament has been free of violent disturbances from the 1980s and 1990s, but authorities do not want to take risks in the last of seven matches at Atlanta Stadium. The city's police department said in a statement: 'We have enhanced public safety and security measures across the city... Additional personnel and resources have already been deployed and will continue to be distributed strategically to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.'

The city's police department indicated that these proactive measures came as a result of an ongoing assessment of what is needed to secure matches in Atlanta. The statement added: 'The adjustments are a routine part of managing an event of this size, and are aimed at ensuring a safe and enjoyable World Cup experience.'

Argentine Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva said on Tuesday that the enhancement of security measures was discussed at a meeting held in the United States on Monday. She noted that, for the first time in the tournament, fans of the two competing teams will be directed to the stadium through separate entrances. She said in an interview with an Argentine radio station: 'There will be 1,600 police officers... We want the celebrations to be peaceful.'

Due to the ticket sales policies followed by the International Federation (FIFA) in the tournament, separating fans inside the stadium — as is routinely done in domestic football matches in England and Argentina — will be nearly impossible for this match.

Atlanta police said they are working closely with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and their public safety partners to plan for such events, but they never discuss specific operational risk assessments or planning details.

The football rivalry between Argentina and England has been shaped by five previous World Cup meetings, some of which witnessed controversial incidents. This rivalry intensified following the military conflict that erupted in 1982 between the two countries over the Falkland Islands and South Georgia in the South Atlantic, which resulted in the deaths of 907 people.

Monteoliva said that Argentine fans will not be allowed to bring any flags or banners into Atlanta Stadium that claim sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, which Argentines call the Malvinas Islands. She explained: 'It is prohibited to bring any items carrying any kind of provocative message, whether political or racist in content. They will not be allowed to bring flags or banners with such content.'

The reputation of England fans has greatly improved compared to the period when elements of hooligans caused violence in the 1982 and 1998 World Cup editions. The England Football Supporters' Association, which provides support and services to England fans, said in a statement issued before the semi-final: 'The way England fans have behaved across North America has made our country proud.' It added: 'We have continued to prove that outdated stereotypes do not define us; let's ensure we continue to look after each other, represent England in a way that inspires pride, and remind everyone once again that we have the best fans in the world.'