Argentina request all-blue kit for World Cup semi-final against England

Argentina have reportedly asked FIFA to approve a kit change for their World Cup semi-final against England, with journalist Gaston Edul claiming the South American champions want to wear their all-blue strip instead of their iconic blue and white stripes.

Lionel Scaloni’s side have worn the traditional blue and white kit in five of their six matches at the tournament, with the sole exception coming in their group-stage win over Jordan on 28 June — the same all-blue kit they are now said to have requested for the England fixture.

Argentina secured their semi-final place with a 3-1 victory over Switzerland, while England reached the last four by beating Norway in the quarter-final. The two nations will meet for a place in the World Cup final in a fixture that carries enormous historical weight, most notably the 1986 quarter-final in which Diego Maradona’s goals — the infamous ‘Hand of God’ and his solo wonder strike — eliminated England in Mexico City.

Lionel Messi, who is co-leading the Golden Boot race with eight goals alongside France’s Kylian Mbappé, acknowledged the significance of the match-up after the Switzerland win. “Everything I have seen and remember [about Argentina vs. England from 1986] is from videos and images that Argentinians constantly watch and relive,” Messi told ESPN Argentina.

“But I think this group is used to playing football matches regardless of the opponent. Obviously, playing against England is special because they are a powerhouse, and matches against powerhouses are always special.”

For Messi personally, the semi-final will mark a first career meeting with England. “I’ve played against everyone except England, so it will be nice for that reason too,” the Inter Miami forward said. “And we’ll experience it for what it is: a World Cup semi-final against a powerhouse, a great team, and we’ll try to arrive in the best possible shape to compete again.”

Argentina are bidding to defend the title they won at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, while England are seeking to reach a first World Cup final since 1966.