Maradona’s Legacy Lives On: Argentina Makes Special FIFA Request Ahead of England World Cup Clash
Argentina has made a symbolic request to FIFA ahead of its highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final against England, hoping to revive one of the most iconic traditions in the nation's football history.
The reigning world champions will face England on Wednesday at Atlanta Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 22:00 (Mecca and Doha time), as both sides battle for a place in the World Cup final.
An iconic shirt returns
According to British media reports, the Argentine Football Association has asked FIFA for permission to wear the team's famous all-dark-blue kit instead of its traditional sky-blue and white striped jersey.
Argentina has worn its home kit in five of its six matches during the current World Cup, with the only exception coming in the group-stage victory over Jordan, where the team also appeared in its alternate colors.
The request is far from a simple change of uniform. The dark-blue jersey is deeply connected to some of Argentina's most memorable victories over England on football's biggest stage.
A shirt linked to World Cup history
The legendary kit was worn during the unforgettable 1986 World Cup quarter-final, when Diego Maradona produced one of the greatest individual performances in football history by scoring both the famous "Hand of God" goal and the stunning "Goal of the Century" in Argentina's 2-1 victory over England.
The reigning world champions will face England on Wednesday at Atlanta Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 22:00 (Mecca and Doha time), as both sides battle for a place in the World Cup final.
An iconic shirt returns
According to British media reports, the Argentine Football Association has asked FIFA for permission to wear the team's famous all-dark-blue kit instead of its traditional sky-blue and white striped jersey.
Argentina has worn its home kit in five of its six matches during the current World Cup, with the only exception coming in the group-stage victory over Jordan, where the team also appeared in its alternate colors.
The request is far from a simple change of uniform. The dark-blue jersey is deeply connected to some of Argentina's most memorable victories over England on football's biggest stage.
A shirt linked to World Cup history
The legendary kit was worn during the unforgettable 1986 World Cup quarter-final, when Diego Maradona produced one of the greatest individual performances in football history by scoring both the famous "Hand of God" goal and the stunning "Goal of the Century" in Argentina's 2-1 victory over England.
Argentina also wore a blue kit during the dramatic Round of 16 encounter at the 1998 World Cup in France, where the South Americans eliminated England in a penalty shootout after an unforgettable 2-2 draw.
British media believe Argentine officials see the historic jersey as a good omen, hoping it can once again inspire success in one of football's greatest rivalries.
Messi prepares for a historic first
The semi-final will also mark a unique milestone for Lionel Messi, who is set to face England for the first time in his international career despite appearing in six World Cups and representing Argentina for nearly two decades.
Speaking before the match, Messi described England as one of the world's strongest national teams and admitted he has always wanted to experience playing against them on the international stage.
"I've played against almost every major national team except England," Messi said. "This will be my first time facing them, and that makes it even more special."
Argentina secured its place in the semi-finals after defeating Switzerland 3-1 following extra time, while England also required additional time to overcome Norway 2-1, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Source: Mirror + GiveMeSport + ESPN + international media.
British media believe Argentine officials see the historic jersey as a good omen, hoping it can once again inspire success in one of football's greatest rivalries.
Messi prepares for a historic first
The semi-final will also mark a unique milestone for Lionel Messi, who is set to face England for the first time in his international career despite appearing in six World Cups and representing Argentina for nearly two decades.
Speaking before the match, Messi described England as one of the world's strongest national teams and admitted he has always wanted to experience playing against them on the international stage.
"I've played against almost every major national team except England," Messi said. "This will be my first time facing them, and that makes it even more special."
Argentina secured its place in the semi-finals after defeating Switzerland 3-1 following extra time, while England also required additional time to overcome Norway 2-1, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Source: Mirror + GiveMeSport + ESPN + international media.