Argentina will take the field in their iconic blue away kit when they face England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Wednesday after FIFA approved the reigning champions’ request.
The decision has drawn plenty of attention among supporters, not only because Argentina traditionally wears its famous sky blue and white home jersey, but also because of the team’s remarkable history against England while wearing blue.
Why is Argentina wearing its blue away kit?
According to reports, Argentina requested permission from FIFA to wear its blue away kit for the World Cup semifinal against England, and the governing body approved the request.
While FIFA ultimately determines uniform assignments for each match, teams can request alternate kits when circumstances allow.
Argentina’s World Cup record against England in blue
Argentina and England have met five times in FIFA World Cup history, producing one of international soccer’s fiercest rivalries.
Argentina has won two of those five meetings, and both victories came while wearing its blue away kit.
Those matches were:
- 1986 World Cup Quarterfinal – Argentina defeated England 2-1 in Mexico City.
- 1998 World Cup Round of 16 – The match ended 2-2 before Argentina advanced on penalties.
The most famous of those victories remains the 1986 quarterfinal, when Diego Maradona scored both the controversial “Hand of God” goal and the spectacular solo effort later voted the “Goal of the Century.” That match remains one of the most iconic games in World Cup history.
Argentina vs. England World Cup head-to-head
The two nations have met five times at the FIFA World Cup:
- 1966 Quarterfinal: England won 1-0
- 1986 Quarterfinal: Argentina won 2-1
- 1998 Round of 16: Argentina advanced on penalties after a 2-2 draw
- 2002 Group Stage: England won 1-0
- 2006 Group Stage: Finished 0-0
The rivalry has consistently delivered memorable moments, making another semifinal showdown one of the most anticipated matches of the 2026 tournament.
Will the blue kit bring Argentina luck again?
While uniforms don’t determine results, Argentina supporters will welcome the symbolism.
The team’s two World Cup triumphs over England both came in blue, including arguably the most famous match in FIFA World Cup history. With Lionel Messi leading Argentina into another semifinal against one of its oldest rivals, the decision to wear the blue away kit adds another intriguing chapter to one of international soccer’s greatest rivalries.
Argentina vs. England semifinal
Argentina enters Wednesday’s semifinal aiming to reach a second consecutive FIFA World Cup final. England, meanwhile, is seeking its first World Cup final appearance since 1966.
Whether the blue jersey proves to be a lucky charm once again will be decided when the two historic rivals meet in Atlanta with a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on the line.