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| Argentina players celebrating after winning a World Cup match. |
Argentina to Wear Navy Blue Kit Against England After FIFA Approval
Argentina will wear their navy blue shirts when they face England in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday after FIFA approved a special request from the defending champions.
The South American giants sought permission to replace their iconic white and sky-blue striped jersey with their all-blue kit, a choice that revives memories of some of their most famous World Cup clashes with England.
FIFA's official Match Colour Designation, released on Monday, confirmed that Lionel Messi and his teammates will line up in navy blue shirts, white shorts and red socks, while England will wear their traditional all-white strip.
Argentina's decision is widely viewed as a tribute to the team's World Cup history. Diego Maradona famously wore the navy blue shirt during the 1986 quarter-final victory over England, while Argentina also donned blue when they eliminated England from the 1998 World Cup.
The reigning world champions have mostly worn their traditional striped kit throughout the tournament, with their only previous appearance in the all-blue strip coming during their group-stage victory over Jordan.
Argentina secured their place in the semi-finals with a 3-1 extra-time win over 10-man Switzerland, while England advanced after defeating Norway 2-1.
Ahead of the blockbuster encounter, former Chelsea and England midfielder Joe Cole backed the Three Lions to end Argentina's title defence and book a place in the World Cup final.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Cole said: "Messi facing England for the first time? We are going to put him to sleep.
"We are going to put him to sleep, 100%.
"I am saying it right now, England will reach the World Cup final.
"We have too much pace for Argentina's strengths, we are going to beat them. I can feel it in my bones."