Argentina has requested FIFA’s permission to wear their blue away kit in the upcoming 2026 World Cup semi-final match against England.
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup semi-final against England in Atlanta, Argentina submitted a request to FIFA to use their blue away kit instead of the traditional blue and white striped shirt. This special request immediately drew attention because the blue shirt color is associated with memorable memories of La Albiceleste in their encounters with the “Three Lions” on the world stage.
According to journalist Gastón Edul, who has been closely following Argentina throughout the tournament, the South American team has officially requested to wear the blue shirt in the semifinal match. He wrote: “Argentina requested to wear the blue kit when facing England”. However, FIFA has not yet approved it, and the final decision is expected to be announced on Tuesday.
At the 2026 World Cup, Argentina has only used their blue away kit once, in the 3-1 victory against Jordan in the final match of the group stage. Although there has been no official explanation, many people believe this choice is related to “cábala”, a concept referring to the belief in good luck and familiar rituals in Argentine football culture.
The head-to-head history between the two teams makes the shirt color story even more special. Argentina and England have clashed five times at the World Cup, including three matches in the knockout stages. England has the edge with three victories, while Argentina has overcome their opponent twice, in the 1986 quarter-finals and the 1998 round of 16.
A notable coincidence is that in both of those victories, Argentina wore the dark blue away shirt. In 1986, Diego Maradona scored the “Hand of God” and the “Goal of the Century”, helping his home team win 2-1. Twelve years later, La Albiceleste continued to eliminate England through a dramatic penalty shootout.
Therefore, the request to wear the blue shirt in Atlanta is seen as Argentina’s way of seeking a symbol of victory against their long-time rivals. Nevertheless, this request could also stem from practical reasons, as FIFA designated England as the home team. If approved, the dark blue color will once again accompany Messi and his teammates on their journey to compete for a ticket to the final
