Argentina requests dark navy away kit vs England, seen as Maradona mind game

Author: Matty Hewitt, Senior Sport Central Audience Writer Updated: 07:43, 14 Jul 2026

Overview

England take on Argentina in the World Cup semi-final, and their opponents have already begun with mind games. A formal request to FIFA regarding Argentina's kit choice has raised suspicions and drawn England into a psychological battle ahead of the high-stakes clash.

Key Facts: Argentina's Kit Request to FIFA

1. Breaking tradition: Argentina will dispense with their familiar pale blue and white striped jersey for the World Cup semi-final against England. Instead, they will take the field in a darker navy blue away kit.

1. Historical nod: The darker blue uniform is a deliberate reference to the legendary strip worn by Diego Maradona during the iconic 1986 World Cup tournament. This choice invokes one of the most famous moments in football history, when Argentina knocked England out of the tournament thanks to the "Hand of God" and a moment of brilliance from Maradona.

1. Media buildup: Buenos Aires newspaper Crónica highlighted the highly anticipated clash by running a picture of team captain Lionel Messi, accompanied by a bold headline translating to: "I've been meaning to catch up with you guys."

1. Messi's missing milestone: The publication pointed out a surprising gap in the legendary career of the national team's talismanic playmaker. Despite dominating international football for nearly two decades, Lionel Messi has never actually faced England on the pitch.

1. Final landmark: Crónica asked its readers if there was anything left in football for the spectacular superstar to accomplish, then answered that a high-stakes match against England is the one final landmark Messi has yet to cross.

1. Historical weight: Every meeting between these two nations inevitably brings back the indelible and bittersweet memories of Maradona, adding intense historical weight for both sets of fans.

1. Formal request: The Argentine Football Association (AFA) made a formal, strategic request to football's governing bodies, specifically asking to wear the alternate blue jerseys instead of their primary light kit.

1. Superstitious move: This request is widely viewed as a deliberate superstitious move to channel the "lucky charm" of their historic 1986 victory. By wearing the blue kit, Argentina hopes to symbolically repeat history and once again end England's World Cup dreams.

Image Credit

Lionel Messi will take on England with Argentina for the first time in his career in the World Cup semi-final. (Image: Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

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