England vs Argentina semi-final kick-off time ‘confirmed’ amid Atlanta climate delay fears
England are set to face Argentina in the World Cup semi-final at 8pm UK time on Wednesday, but there are thunderstorm fears following a forecast
England will clash with Argentina on Wednesday evening(Image: Jean Catuffe, Getty Images)
England and Argentina’s World Cup semi-final has been at the centre of weather concerns, hours ahead of kick-off. With reports regarding the conditions at Atlanta Stadium suggesting that thunderstorms could strike.
England’s round of 16 encounter with Mexico was previously postponed by an hour owing to stormy conditions in Mexico City. However, any delays are highly unlikely.
A spokesperson for Atlanta Stadium, which is typically known as Mercedes-Benz Stadium, has confirmed that the weather will not impact the scheduled kick-off time due to the venue’s retractable roof.
Thunderstorms are predicted at the Atlanta Stadium(Image: Maddie Meyer – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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“Since the stadium is covered, the match is not weather-dependent so it will be played as scheduled,” a stadium spokesperson said. “No, it won’t be delayed, the game will start as planned regardless of weather.
“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 roof allows us the ability to play on time regardless of weather.”
The stadium gates will open three hours before kick-off, with the spokesperson adding: “If we are detecting weather in the area, we would do what we can to get fans in as soon as possible.”
The Three Lions are due to face the reigning World Cup holders in a semi-final at 8pm UK time, reports the Mirror.
The two nations are preparing to reignite their footballing rivalry at a World Cup for the first time since 2002 on Wednesday.
Nevertheless, concerns regarding the conditions at Atlanta Stadium arose after weather predictions suggested thunderstorms could strike Atlanta on matchday.
