Argentina fans are excited by the latest developments ahead of the crucial World Cup match against England
Argentina were given what they wanted ahead of talks with England (Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
Argentina will play England in blue in the World Cup semi-finals after a “special request” was granted. This means the Albiceleste will wear the same colors that they wore in their famous victories over the Three Lions in 1986 and 1998.
Lionel Scaloni’s side wore their traditional blue and white home kit when they won the 2022 final in Qatar. However, the colors have previously brought bad luck against England at the 1966 and 2002 World Cups.
According to Argentine media outlet TN, the recognition caused excitement among fans of the reigning world champions. The dark blue away kit has only been worn once, in the group stage win over Jordan in 2026.
FIFA has now confirmed the colors for the semi-finals. Argentina’s long-cherished wish came true, but England will play against them wearing all white.
England wore an all-white outfit for their quarter-final win over Norway and round-of-32 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, in the Round of 16 match against Mexico, he wore a white shirt and blue pants to avoid clashing with the host team’s green shirt and white pants combination.
The last time the Three Lions faced Argentina in the World Cup finals in 1998, they wore all white. At that time, the match ended all square after 120 minutes, with Argentina winning on penalties.
England and Argentina wear the same colors as in 1998 (Image: PA)
The same TN report points out another coincidence that Argentine fans seized on before the game. This includes the fact that the South Americans won their group undefeated in both 1986 and 1998, a feat they achieved in 2026 but not before the 1966 tournament.
Additionally, a defender scored for Albiceleste in both 1986 and 1998 before playing against England. This year was no different, with Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero both scoring in the final.
England were all white in the 1966 tournament, but wore red in 2002 when David Beckham’s penalty secured a group stage victory. Thomas Tuchel’s side have only worn red change strips once in this competition, in the group stage win over Panama.
FIFA also confirmed the colors for the first semi-final, which will be played on Tuesday. France will wear blue shirts and white shorts, while Spain will wear white shirts and red shorts, a change for both teams after their quarter-final wins.
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