Argentina's lucky kit request to FIFA pays off as they sink England 2-1 in World Cup semi-final

Argentina eliminated England from the 2026 World Cup with a 2-1 semi-final victory, with Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez scoring late goals to overturn Anthony Gordon’s opener and send Thomas Tuchel’s side to a third-place play-off.

Before the match, Argentina had submitted a specific request to FIFA to wear their dark-blue secondary kit — a strip they associate with good fortune in fixtures against England. According to Argentinian outlet TN, the request was granted. The historical basis for the superstition is hard to dismiss: Argentina wore the dark-blue kit when they eliminated England at the 1986 and 1998 World Cups, while defeats in 1966 and 2002 came in their traditional light-blue-and-white stripes.

The secondary kit had been worn only once previously at this tournament, in a group-stage win over Jordan. On Wednesday evening, it made its second appearance — and Argentina’s record in it remained perfect.

England had looked well-placed to reach the final after Gordon put them ahead just before the hour mark. But Tuchel’s side retreated after taking the lead, and two late goals punished them. The England manager was unapologetic about his tactical approach in the aftermath.

“No, I believe that’s just the nature of the game,” Tuchel said when asked whether he got the tactics wrong. “As soon as you lose, you get criticised. No one knows what would have happened if we made different decisions. So, it makes no sense to engage in that and lose my head. I’m responsible for them, I took them, so I take the criticism. That’s just the way it is.”

Tuchel confirmed he would remain in the role despite the defeat, pointing to his contract running through to the home European Championship. “The World Cup is not over. There is still a match to play that we are not looking forward to so much, but there is still a match to play. Then we keep on going. I have a contract until the home Euros, and I’m looking forward to that, even now when it is difficult to look that far ahead.”

Argentina, the reigning world champions, advance to the final and will look to defend their title, while England must regroup for a third-place consolation fixture.