Argentina will wear their iconic blue away kit in Wednesday’s FIFA World Cup semi-final against England after FIFA approved a special request by the South American giants, a decision steeped in World Cup history and long-held superstition.
The approval was confirmed after on-the-ground reporter Gastón Edul disclosed that the Albiceleste had requested permission to wear their away strip at Atlanta Stadium. FIFA’s official match colour designation, released on July 12, later confirmed that Lionel Messi and his teammates would take to the pitch in the blue Adidas kit.
The decision is believed to be inspired by Argentina’s remarkable World Cup record against England while wearing the blue jersey.
The two football powerhouses have met five times at the FIFA World Cup—twice in the group stage and three times in the knockout rounds. Argentina have won only two of those encounters, but significantly, both victories came in knockout matches while wearing the blue away kit.
The most memorable of those triumphs came during the quarter-finals of the 1986 FIFA World Cup, when legendary captain Diego Maradona scored the iconic “Goal of the Century” and the controversial “Hand of God” goal in Argentina’s famous 2-1 victory over England.
History repeated itself in the 1998 World Cup Round of 16, when Argentina again donned the blue jersey before defeating England in a dramatic penalty shootout.
With another high-stakes meeting against England on the horizon, Argentina appears keen to preserve every symbolic advantage.
According to reports, the reigning world champions are unwilling to tamper with what many in the country regard as cábala—the football superstition that certain rituals and traditions bring good fortune.
England, however, opted against any changes, choosing instead to play in their traditional all-white home strip.
“England has requested FIFA to play in the 100% white kit,” Fútbol de Inglaterra reported.
Despite the symbolic significance of the jersey, Argentina captain Lionel Messi acknowledged that defeating England would require much more than tradition or superstition.
“It’s special to face the big national teams. I’ve never had the chance to play against England,” Messi said.
Argentina head into the semi-final with concerns over their defensive performances throughout the tournament. The South Americans have struggled to contain opponents, with teams including Cape Verde, Egypt and Switzerland successfully exploiting spaces behind their backline.
The defending champions have also endured a physically demanding campaign, with several matches extending into extra time, raising concerns about fatigue ahead of what promises to be another intense encounter.
England are expected to pose arguably Argentina’s toughest challenge yet, with the pace and movement of Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon viewed as capable of exploiting the defensive vulnerabilities the Albiceleste have shown throughout the competition.
While Argentina will hope history repeats itself in the famous blue jersey, England will be aiming to ensure that World Cup folklore gives way to a place in the final.
