Thousands banned from England vs Argentina World Cup semi-final as government warning sent

The Argentinian governement have reportedly issued U.S. authorities with a list of more than 30,000 people banned from attending sporting events. It comes ahead of Wednesday night's World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina in Atlanta.

The Three Lions will meet their South American rivals for the first time since 2005. The two teams have not met in a competitive fixture since the 2002 World Cup - when England won 1-0 through a David Beckham penalty in the group stages. Both countries have endured a tense relationship since the 1982 Falklands War, when they fought over the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the South Sandwich Islands. The conflict resulted in 649 Argentine lives being lost and 255 British fatalities.

That has in part led to the tension heading into Wednesday's fixture. The game has been classed as the "highest risk" match at this year's World Cup after a meeting of the FBI, officials and local police.

And Argentinian media outlet Cba24n now report that the country has provided U.S. authorities with a huge list of people who should not be at the game. Security minister Alejandra Monteoliva has also confirmed that Argentine fans will not be allowed to enter the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta with flags referring to the Falkland Islands.

He said: "Fans will not be permitted to enter with flags or political messages linked to the Malvinas [Falklands], flag, a shirt, a banner, or anything with political content or racial provocation."

The FBI, FIFA, and police met on Monday to discuss the historical divide between the two nations and concerns that could escalate among supporters.

For the game in Atlanta, they will have separate entry gates for the two sets of supporters, even if there is no segregation inside the stadium. That has been a theme of the tournament, fans mixing, which in part is down to the ticket resale platforms that have been utilised.

Genuine efforts have been made to keep fans apart, but there is an acceptance that officials can only do so much once fans are inside the stadium and have taken their seats.

England manager Thomas Tuchel was asked pre-match about the history behind Wednesday's game and conceded it carried special meaning - even beyond being a World Cup semi-final. However, he insists past events will not be a distraction.

The German said: "I would say it's irrelevant but I am not sure. The players are aware of what it means to them. If a fixture has iconic moments, you cannot say it is just another football match.

"We don't speak, me and my team, about the historic events. The tension is big enough. We try to reduce information the bigger the stage gets and the bigger the tension. The magnitude of the game is what it is, it does not help if we engage."