England vs Argentina weather forecast: Could storms delay World Cup semi-final? | OneFootball

Thundery showers are forecast in Atlanta - but this time there’s a key difference

England and Argentina renew their historic rivalry in the World Cup 2026 semi-finals tonight.

Wednesday’s blockbuster last-four showdown in Atlanta marks the first competitive fixture between the countries since the group stage of the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.

On that occasion, David Beckham’s penalty just before half-time at the Sapporo Dome - awarded after Mauricio Pochettino had fouled Michael Owen - secured a memorable 1-0 victory for the Three Lions.

It was a hugely cathartic moment for Beckham, whose sending off for kicking out at Diego Simeone four years earlier had proven so costly as England were dumped out of the last 16 on penalties by Argentina after a thrilling 2-2 draw in Saint-Etienne that featured the most iconic goal of Owen’s career as an 18-year-old.

That 1998 clash was of course 12 years after the 1986 quarter-final in Mexico, when Diego Maradona broke English hearts at the Estadio Azteca with his infamous ‘Hand of God’ - which was promptly followed by arguably the greatest goal in World Cup history.

England and Argentina have met only once since 2002, with England winning 3-2 in a friendly in Geneva in November 2005 after Owen’s dramatic late brace.

A young Lionel Messi was suspended for that match after being sent off on his debut and has therefore never played against England before in his 205 senior international caps.

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England vs Argentina weather forecast

The weather continues to be a big talking point at this World Cup, with more storms having been feared in Miami on Saturday for England’s quarter-final tie against Norway - just days after kick-off in their epic last-16 win over Mexico was delayed by an hour due to storms in Mexico City.

However, thankfully such concerns proved unfounded, with England vs Norway kicking off on time as a brace from Jude Bellingham saw Thomas Tuchel’s side through in nervy fashion 2-1 after extra time.

England now head back to Atlanta, scene of their late Harry Kane-inspired comeback against DR Congo in the round of 32 on July 1.

It is also where Argentina staged their even more incredible fightback to thwart Egypt in controversial fashion in the round of 16.

The second World Cup 2026 semi-final kicks off in the UK at 8pm BST on Wednesday night, which, with the five-hour time difference, is 3pm local time in Atlanta.

The current weather forecast in Atlanta is for very warm, humid weather and high temperatures of around 30 degrees - which will feel more like 38 degrees.

Comfortable experience: The Atlanta Stadium has a fully enclosed retractable roof and is air-conditioned throughout

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There is the chance of thundery showers in the area before kick-off at 2pm, then again around 4pm, 5pm and into the evening, according to the BBC.

It is very important to note that Atlanta Stadium - AKA Mercedes-Benz Stadium - has a fully enclosed retractable roof, which will be shut for the game.

While that means the game itself won’t be delayed once it is underway, it remains to be seen if storms in the area could possibly push back the two teams travelling from their respective hotels to the stadium - as England experienced en route to the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City last week.

However, at this stage that seems unlikely.

Atlanta Stadium - the 68,239-capacity home of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United of MLS - is also fully air-conditioned, meaning spectators, coaches, players and officials will all be protected from the searing Georgia heat.