Summary
FIFA has officially ruled on Argentina’s special request ahead of Wednesday’s 2026 World Cup semi-final against England.
Reports emerged on Monday that the reigning world champions had submitted a request to FIFA just days before their first international meeting with England since November 2005.
At 39, Lionel Messi is set to face England for the first time in his career when the two sides meet at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday. Ahead of the highly anticipated clash, Argentina asked world football’s governing body for permission to wear their navy blue kit instead of their traditional light blue and white strip.
Journalist Gaston Edul revealed that the request specifically involved switching to the dark blue jersey for the semi-final.
Why Argentina Requested a Different Kit
Argentina have worn their iconic light blue and white kit in five of their six matches during this summer’s tournament. The only exception came in their 3-1 victory over Jordan during the group stage.
The decision to request the navy blue strip appears to be rooted largely in superstition.
Argentina famously defeated England while wearing dark blue shirts in both the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals and the 1998 World Cup Round of 16.
During the unforgettable quarter-final in Mexico City in 1986, Diego Maradona scored both the legendary “Hand of God” goal and the celebrated “Goal of the Century” while wearing Argentina’s navy blue jersey.
Maradona’s match-worn shirt from that game was later acquired by England midfielder Steve Hodge, who sold it at auction in 2022 for a record £7,142,500.
Twelve years later, Argentina again eliminated England from the World Cup, winning a dramatic penalty shootout in a match remembered for David Beckham’s red card after his clash with Diego Simeone.
FIFA Grants Argentina’s Request
Argentina will now hope that wearing the navy blue kit once again brings them similar success against their long-time rivals.
According to FIFA’s Match Colour Designation document, the request has been approved.
Argentina will wear their navy blue shirts, paired with black shorts and black socks for Wednesday’s semi-final.
England, meanwhile, will take to the field in their traditional white kit, while goalkeeper Jordan Pickford will wear yellow. At the opposite end, Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez is set to play in dark green.
A Place in the World Cup Final Is at Stake
The winner of Wednesday’s semi-final will advance to the 2026 World Cup Final, where they will face either France or Spain, who meet in the other semi-final at Dallas Stadium on Tuesday night.
Argentina are aiming to reach their seventh World Cup final, while England are looking to book a place in the tournament’s final for the first time since 1966.