Summary
Argentina have reportedly submitted a special request to FIFA ahead of their highly anticipated 2026 World Cup semi-final clash against England on Wednesday.
The defending world champions booked their place in the final four after securing a 3-1 victory over Switzerland at the Kansas City Stadium. Lionel Scaloni’s team made a fast start, taking the lead in the 10th minute when Alexis Mac Allister headed in a corner from Lionel Messi.
However, Switzerland responded strongly after the break and grew into the match, with Dan Ndoye scoring a deserved equaliser in the 67th minute.
The decisive moment came just five minutes later when Switzerland striker Breel Embolo received a second yellow card after a VAR review mistakenly identified him during an incident involving a controversial dive. Reduced to 10 men, Switzerland struggled to maintain their momentum.
Argentina eventually secured victory in extra time, with Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez scoring in the second half of the additional period to complete the 3-1 win.
England and Argentina Renew a Historic Rivalry
Argentina will now face long-time rivals England at the Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday night in one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament.
The two nations have not met since the 2002 World Cup group stage, when England earned a 1-0 victory thanks to a penalty from David Beckham.
Their rivalry has produced several unforgettable moments throughout World Cup history. During the 1998 World Cup, Beckham was famously sent off for kicking Diego Simeone as Argentina advanced to the quarter-finals.
However, the most iconic encounter between the two nations came at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. Argentine legend Diego Maradona scored two of football’s most famous goals in the same match. His controversial “Hand of God” goal came after he punched the ball into the net while challenging England goalkeeper Peter Shilton, before scoring the legendary “Goal of the Century” just four minutes later.
Argentina Ask FIFA for Special Kit Change
Ahead of Wednesday’s semi-final, Argentina have reportedly asked FIFA for permission to make a significant kit change.
According to journalist Gaston Edul, as reported by The Mirror, Argentina have requested approval to wear their all-blue kit instead of their traditional blue-and-white striped jersey.
The La Albiceleste have worn their famous striped kit in five of their six 2026 World Cup matches so far. The only exception came during their group-stage victory over Jordan, where they wore a navy blue design in their 3-1 win.
Argentina previously wore navy blue during two of their most memorable World Cup victories against England—in 1986 and 1998.
The team appears to believe that returning to the darker kit could bring a sense of familiarity and perhaps serve as a positive symbol ahead of another major meeting with their historic rivals.
Messi Set for First-Ever Match Against England
This semi-final will also mark a unique occasion for Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who has never faced England during his professional career.
Speaking to ESPN Argentina, Messi described the upcoming match as a special occasion due to the quality and history surrounding both teams.
“Playing against England is special because they are a powerhouse, and matches against powerhouses are always special,” Messi said.
The 39-year-old forward, who remains among the contenders for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, added that facing England will complete one of the few international experiences missing from his career.
“I’ve played against everyone except England, so it will be nice for that reason too.”
Messi emphasized that Argentina will approach the match as a major World Cup challenge and focus on being fully prepared for another demanding encounter.
“We’ll experience it for what it is: a World Cup semi-final against a great team, and we’ll try to arrive in the best possible shape to compete again.”