In one of the most historic rivalries in international football, Argentina is said to have requested FIFA permission for their famous blue away kit to wear for their clash with England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal.
The decision on the kit is likely to be issued ahead of the big showdown on Wednesday. If it is allowed, Messi and his teammates can wear shades that are the same or similar to the ones that Argentina donned to win the World Cup in 1986 against England.
That quarter-final remains one of the most talked-about matches in football history. Diego Maradona scored both goals in Argentina’s 2-1 win, producing the controversial “Hand of God” finish before delivering a breathtaking solo effort that became known as the “Goal of the Century.”
With the blue strip, Argentina could be looking to relive the magic of that stadium on such a cold night and to try and put themselves in the best possible position for the next installment of the England vs Argentina World Cup saga.
Their request has already sparked excitement from supporters; for some, it’s more than just a uniform choice. It would tie in the current Argentine squad with one of the greatest footballing moments in Argentina’s history and ratchet up the pressure in the lead-up to the semifinal.
But England will be keen to make sure that it won’t happen again. As the Three Lions enter the match, they know a win would qualify them for the 2026 World Cup final, but Argentina are seeking what is an opportunity to bring home football’s biggest prize.
The match may also be a one-off opportunity for Lionel Messi’s career. The Argentina captain, who has made incredible travel to play international football, is now said to be facing England for the first time at the senior level—if he is called up.
This semifinal is sure to be tense, symbolic, and dramatic, with the possibility of Argentina playing in their iconic blue kit and one of the old squabbles reemerging as the date for the showdown approaches.
But a shirt’s color isn’t as monumental an issue as it could be in a contest that is rich in history, and Argentina has requested blue.
