England are set to face Argentina in the World Cup semi-final at the scheduled kick-off time of 8pm UK time on Wednesday, despite concerns over thunderstorms in Atlanta. A spokesperson for Atlanta Stadium, also known as Mercedes-Benz Stadium, confirmed that the venue's retractable roof makes the match weather-independent.
"Since the stadium is covered, the match is not weather-dependent so it will be played as scheduled," the spokesperson said. "No, it won't be delayed, the game will start as planned regardless of weather."
Stadium roof ensures timely start
The spokesperson added that the roof allows the ability to play on time regardless of conditions. Gates will open three hours before kick-off, and the stadium will work to get fans inside as quickly as possible if weather is detected in the area. "We will do everything we can to ensure the safety of fans, but it won't delay the start of the game if fans are still entering the stadium or are delayed entering due to weather conditions," the spokesperson said.
England's round of 16 tie with Mexico was previously delayed by an hour due to stormy conditions in Mexico City, but no such delay is expected for this match.
England's path to the semi-finals
Thomas Tuchel's side reached the last four after a hard-fought win over Norway at the weekend. Two goals from Jude Bellingham sealed the victory. Argentina, the defending champions, confirmed their place in the semi-finals by defeating Switzerland in their quarter-final later that day.
England have played in varied conditions throughout the tournament: their opening win over Croatia was in the air-conditioned Dallas Stadium, they played at high altitude in Mexico City, and faced intense humidity against Norway in Miami.
Focus on Lionel Messi
England's primary concern will be limiting the impact of veteran forward Lionel Messi, who has scored eight goals so far in the tournament. The Three Lions are aiming to reach their first-ever World Cup final abroad.
Tuchel downplayed any rift with Bellingham after the midfielder disagreed with the manager's critique of the team's performance against Norway. "I think we come from the same place. Our comments come from the same place from being competitive and having the edge when competition is on," Tuchel said. "So no problem. I spoke to the whole team. We debriefed. I spoke to the whole team after in the dressing room, which was basically the same message. And I explained it again the next evening to just move on forward. And then we straight away in the talk put on a new direction, put on a new head, which is semi-final and Argentina."
Renewing a historic rivalry
This match marks the first World Cup meeting between England and Argentina since 2002. The two nations have a storied rivalry, adding extra intensity to the semi-final clash.
