Atlanta police are preparing for the World Cup semifinal match between Argentina and England on Wednesday, a match seen as high risk for disruptions and problems, given the history of rivalry between the two countries.

The Atlanta Police Department announced it will enhance security measures, proactive steps resulting from an ongoing security assessment.

The stadium in downtown Atlanta typically hosts NFL and MLS games.

Scattered reports of minor disturbances emerged in the lead-up to the match, but the atmosphere was calm on Wednesday morning, with fans gathering in cafes and bars or playing cards while waiting outside the stadium.

In Mexico, earlier in the tournament, a deadly stampede occurred during a fan celebration, but this World Cup has generally been free of the violent disruptions that marred some matches in the 1980s and 1990s.

However, authorities do not want to take risks. For the first time in this tournament, fans of the two competing teams will be directed to enter the stadium through separate gates.

The rivalry between Argentina and England dates back decades, stemming from football match disputes and historical tensions alike.

This rivalry intensified following the 1982 military conflict between the two countries over the Falkland/Malvinas Islands and South Georgia in the South Atlantic, which resulted in 907 deaths.

Argentina's security minister said Argentine fans will not be allowed to bring any flags into the stadium claiming sovereignty over the islands.

FIFA rules prohibit bringing any objects with political connotations into stadiums, although earlier in the tournament in Los Angeles, Iranian-Americans entered the stadium carrying flags in protest against the Tehran government, and the match continued without any issues.