15/07/2026 03:39 - Deportes
The anticipation for the semifinal between Argentina and England, scheduled for July 15, 2026, at 4:00 PM at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, has sparked a debate in Argentina over whether the government should declare an administrative holiday—locally known as an asueto. In Argentina, an asueto means public sector workers get the day off. The national government, however, made a firm decision.
President Javier Milei ruled out granting a day off so that public employees can watch the match. State activities will continue as normal to ensure the continuity of public services. Despite this measure, Milei will follow the game from the Olivos Presidential Residence—the official home of the Argentine president located in the suburbs of Buenos Aires—alongside his sister, Karina Milei.
A union representing public employees had submitted a formal request to the Casa Rosada (the seat of the Argentine government) to declare an administrative holiday this Wednesday. They argued that there was massive national interest in the Argentine National Team reaching the 2026 World Cup semifinals. However, the request was not accepted.
The clash between the two teams promises to be one of the most thrilling of the tournament. Lionel Messi, at 39 years old, will play his first match against England at the senior level. He has already scored 8 goals in this World Cup, bringing his total to 21 goals in World Cup history. The team, managed by Lionel Scaloni, comes off a 6-match winning streak, defeating Switzerland 3-1 in the quarterfinals.
The previous head-to-head record spans 5 encounters: 3 English victories, 1 Argentine victory, and 1 draw. With an unprecedented security operation in Atlanta involving over 1,600 personnel, Argentine hope remains intact to reach the final on Sunday.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
