Thunderstorms are expected in Atlanta this evening – but there’s an important distinction this time around.

England and Argentina are set to reignite their storied rivalry tonight in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final clash.

Wednesday’s high-stakes encounter in Atlanta represents the first competitive meeting between the two nations since the group stage of the 2002 World Cup, held in Japan and South Korea.

Back then, David Beckham’s penalty just before half-time at the Sapporo Dome – awarded after Mauricio Pochettino brought down Michael Owen – sealed a famous 1-0 victory for the Three Lions.

It was a particularly emotional moment for Beckham, whose red card for kicking out at Diego Simeone four years earlier had proved costly, as England were knocked out in the Round of 16 on penalties by Argentina after an entertaining 2-2 draw in Saint-Etienne, highlighted by Owen’s unforgettable solo goal at just 18 years of age.

That 1998 battle came 12 years after the 1986 quarter-final in Mexico, when Diego Maradona broke English hearts at the Estadio Azteca with his notorious ‘Hand of God’ goal – swiftly followed by what many consider the greatest goal in World Cup history.

Since 2002, the teams have only met once – a friendly in Geneva in November 2005, where England triumphed 3-2 thanks to Owen’s late brace.

A young Lionel Messi was unavailable for that match after being sent off on his debut and, remarkably, has yet to face England across his 205 senior international appearances.

Weather-related delays have already made headlines at this World Cup. France’s Group I match against Iraq in Philadelphia was postponed by two hours due to thunderstorms.

Storms also threatened England’s quarter-final against Norway in Miami last Saturday, coming shortly after their Round of 16 clash with Mexico in Mexico City was delayed by an hour for similar reasons.

Fortunately, those fears did not materialise, and England vs Norway kicked off on time, with Jude Bellingham’s brace guiding Thomas Tuchel’s side to a tense 2-1 win after extra time.

England now return to Atlanta, the site of their dramatic comeback led by Harry Kane against DR Congo in the Round of 32 on July 1.

It is also where Argentina mounted an even more remarkable fightback to edge past Egypt in controversial circumstances in the Round of 16.

The second World Cup 2026 semi-final begins at 8pm BST on Wednesday, corresponding to 3pm local time in Atlanta.

According to forecasts, Atlanta will experience hot and humid conditions, with highs reaching around 30°C – though the humidity will make it feel closer to 38°C.

There is a possibility of thunder showers in the vicinity before kick-off at 2pm, and again around 4pm and 5pm, continuing into the evening, as per the BBC.

Importantly, Atlanta Stadium – also known as the Mercedes-Benz Stadium – features a fully enclosed retractable roof, which will remain shut for the semi-final.

This ensures that the match itself will not face delays once underway, although severe storms could potentially slow down team travel from their hotels to the venue, as England experienced in Mexico City last week. However, such a scenario currently appears unlikely.

The 68,239-seater Atlanta Stadium, home to the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and MLS side Atlanta United, is fully air-conditioned, ensuring comfort for fans, players, coaches, and officials despite the searing Georgia heat.